Robinson Helicopter R44 accident near Curren, MI
On September 24, 2011, a Robinson Helicopter R44 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Curren, MI. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- September 24, 2011
- Place
- Curren, MI
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R44 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 45.078°N, 83.560°W
- NTSB ID
- 20110926X50902
Official records · CEN11FA666
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On September 23, 2011, approximately 2030 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 single-engine helicopter, N8324F, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees and terrain while maneuvering near Curren, Michigan. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed the pilot's residence near Richmond, Michigan, approximately 1830, and was en route to a private hunting camp near Alpena, Michigan. According to local authorities, the pilot and passenger were en route to a hunting camp near Alpena, Michigan. A witness, located approximately 40 acres south of the accident site, observed the helicopter flying overhead at 300 feet above ground level. The helicopter was in cruise flight with all of its light illuminated. The witness did not hear any abnormal engine sounds or mechanical issues. The witness added the helicopter appeared to be traveling about 90 miles per hour and it was raining heavily. The witness did not hear any abnormal engine sounds or mechanical issues. About 20 seconds after the helicopter disappeared from sight, the witness heard a series of sounds like gun shots and did not think anything of the sounds until he heard about the accident a day or so later. The witness stated he thinks the gun shot sounds were the helicopter impacting the trees. The helicopter was reported by family as overdue on September 25th at 1000 and was located at 1100 by land owners. PERSONNEL INF
Probable cause
The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from multiple drugs.
More accidents in MI
- Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-82, Aug 17, 1987
- Embraer EMB-120RT, Jan 9, 1997
- Beech 65-A90, Jul 31, 1999
- Casa C-212-CC, Mar 4, 1987
- Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-14, Dec 3, 1990
Browse: Michigan · Robinson aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
