# NTSB DEN05CA138: Robinson R44 II, N944U, Jackson, WY, September 9, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 9, 2005, 11:25 local (17:25 UTC)
- Place: Jackson, WY
- Coordinates: 43.607223, -110.737503
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6072&lon=-110.7375&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62484
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN05CA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62484/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05CA138

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb resulting in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.  A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter in settling with power.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - settling with power - encountered, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

Shortly after departure, the pilot noticed the rotor RPM had begun to diminish, and the helicopter settled towards terrain.  The pilot attempted to apply additional throttle; however, the throttle was already in the full open position.  The pilot then lowered the collective and reduced the throttle.  The helicopter continued to settle toward terrain, and the pilot applied full throttle.  The helicopter contacted the ground, rotated 180 degrees, and came to rest upright.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB.  Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case.  For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N944U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N944U-2017-09-26), registration cancelled 2017-09-26, S/N 10766, built 2005 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R44 II
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44-ii) (registry code 7640122) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 10766
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Upper Limit Aviation
- Registered owner: Tumble Weed Leasing Company Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: JAC, Jackson, WY
- Destination: SLC, Salt Lake City, UT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; flight instructor, commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2; flight hours: 736 total, 50 in this make and model, 129 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days

## 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 20050909020589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050909020589A), Sep 9, 2005: Robsin R44RAVENII, Jackson, WY, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot stated that the aircraft was at gross weight on take off. When the aircraft passed over a creek the rotor began to droop. The pilot tried to add…

## Other investigations on N944U (1)

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.

- [NTSB WPR09CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA105), Feb 1, 2009: Robinson Helicopter R44 II (N944U), Bountiful, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper decision to fly at low altitude while maneuvering in mountainous terrain in a canyon and inadvertently exceeding the climb capability of the helicopter. Contributing to the…

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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