Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II accident near Port Allen, LA
On March 26, 2023, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Port Allen, LA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- March 26, 2023
- Place
- Port Allen, LA
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 30.512°N, 91.324°W
- NTSB ID
- 20230326106956
Official records · CEN23FA142
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn March 26, 2023, about 0238 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N441PD, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Port Allen, Louisiana. The pilot and tactical flight officer sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight. According to Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) personnel and ADS-B data, the BRPD helicopter, call sign Air 1, departed the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), Baton Rouge, Louisiana, about 0226, to provide aerial support to BRPD ground units that were conducting a high-speed pursuit of a fleeing vehicle. Air 1 advised dispatch and ground units via radio that they were assisting and requested updates to the vehicle movement and location. ADS-B data showed the helicopter depart BTR to the south, turned west, then overfly Highway 190, west of Baton Rouge. Unable to maintain a safe pursuit of the vehicle, BRPD dispatch terminated the pursuit to all BRPD units, including the helicopter, via radio at 0235. There were no further communications received from the helicopter. About that time, the data showed the helicopter executed a shallow left deviation to the south of Highway 190. Following the deviation, a left turn was initiated and the turn rate increased. The initial turn was followed by a series of turns and altitude changes (see Figures 1 and 2). The ADS-B data ended at 0238 at an altitude of about 1,450 agl. There were no witnesses to the accident. Figure 1. ADS-B data overlayed on Google Earth. Figure 2. ADS-B data
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of aircraft control.
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Browse: Louisiana · 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.
