# NTSB CHI06CA214: Robinson R-44, N454WT, Wadsworth, IL, July 23, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 23, 2006, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Wadsworth, IL
- Coordinates: 42.422222, -87.867774
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4222&lon=-87.8678&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: West Chicago, IL FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64267
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA214
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64267/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA214

## Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently pulled back on the cyclic when birds flew into the windscreen.  A factor associated with the accident were the birds.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - cyclic - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - water
  - remedial action - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

The pilot reported that the tail rotor contacted water during landing.  The pilot reported that he was landing near a "decorative pond" at a country club when the accident occurred.  He said that he flew over the landing area and did not notice any obstructions.  He reported that unknown to him at the time, there were ducks along the bank of the pond.  The  ducks flew up into the windscreen at which time he pulled back on the cyclic and the tail rotor contacted the water.  The pilot reported that he then entered an autorotation, touching down on the bank of the pond.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported the tail rotor contacted water during landing.  The pilot reported he was landing near a "decorative pond" at a country club when the accident occurred.  The pilot reported he flew over the landing area and did not notice any obstructions.  He reported that unknown to him at the time, there were ducks along the bank of the pond.  The pilot reported the ducks flew up into the windscreen at which time he pulled back on the cyclic and the tail rotor contacted the water.  The pilot reported he then entered an autorotation, touching down on the bank of the pond.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N454WT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N454WT), registered now, S/N 1042, built 2001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R-44
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44) (registry code 7640120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1042
- Engines: Lycoming O-540 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leonard D. Khayat
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ENW, Kenosha, WI
- Destination: Wadsworth, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; student; medical: class 3; flight hours: 110 total, 74 in this make and model, 18 as pilot in command, 53 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20060723022219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060723022219A), Jul 23, 2006: Robsin R44, Wadsworth, IL, Substantial damage. (-23) During landing in a confined area, pilot overflew a small pond. Waterfoul took off from the waters edge directly in front of the aircraft during landing.…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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