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April 17, 2026 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N445JS

Mount Blanco, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2026
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Mount Blanco, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2012)
Tail Number
N445JS
Operator
Concho Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN26LA168

The purpose of the low-level flight was to perform the aerial hunting of wild pigs and coyotes in a remote area that the pilot had not flown in before. The doors were removed from the helicopter, and the two paying passengers onboard were equipped with firearms. During the flight at 75 ft agl and 50 kts, the pilot observed two coyotes and decided to maneuver the helicopter into the wind so the passengers could engage the coyotes with their firearms. The pilot turned the helicopter to the left, into the wind, and during the turn he heard the engine rpm decrease. After checking the cockpit gauges, he noticed that the engine rpm and the main rotor rpm were both decreasing. The pilot increased the throttle, lowered the collective; however, the engine rpm and the main rotor rpm were still decreasing. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter for a forced landing. The helicopter impacted terrain and came to rest on its left side in a remote canyon. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, the tail cone, and the tail rotor system. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The calculated density altitude for the closest metrological reporting station, near the time of the accident, was about 5,145 ft. The Robinson Helicopter Company has published Safety Notice SN-34 Aerial Survey and Photo Flights which provides pilot guidance that can also be applicable to aerial hunting flights and states that to “only fly the aircraft at speeds, altitudes, and wind angles that are safe and allow good escape routes.”

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The purpose of the low-level flight was to perform the aerial hunting of wild pigs and coyotes in a remote area that the pilot had not flown in before. The doors were removed from the helicopter, and the two paying passengers onboard were equipped with firearms. During the flight at 75 ft agl and 50 kts, the pilot observed two coyotes and decided to maneuver the helicopter into the wind so the passengers could engage the coyotes with their firearms. The pilot turned the helicopter to the left, into the wind, and during the turn he heard the engine rpm decrease. After checking the cockpit gauges, he noticed that the engine rpm and the main rotor rpm were both decreasing. The pilot increased the throttle, lowered the collective; however, the engine rpm and the main rotor rpm were still decreasing. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter for a forced landing. The helicopter impacted terrain and came to rest on its left side in a remote canyon. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, the tail cone, and the tail rotor system. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The calculated density altitude for the closest metrological reporting station, near the time of the accident, was about 5,145 ft. The Robinson Helicopter Company has published Safety Notice SN-34 Aerial Survey and Photo Flights which provides pilot guidance that can also be applicable to aerial hunting flights and states that to “only fly the aircraft at speeds, altitudes, and wind angles that are safe and allow good escape routes.”

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN445JS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorConcho Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming Engines · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.83 inHg
Observation Time10:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data