Accident · 2026-04-17

NTSB case CEN26LA168 · ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 · Part 91

What the record says

Event date: 2026-04-17
Event type: Accident
Highest injury level: Minor injury
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 (N445JS)
Operating rule: Part 91
Operator: Concho Aviation LLC Operator named in NTSB report
Operated by (per NTSB report): CONCHO AVIATION LLC

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.

Source: NTSB case CEN26LA168

Flight crew

Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.

Role	Certificate	Instrument rating	Age	Medical	Flight hours
Pilot pilot flying	Flight instructor / Commercial	None	43	Class 2 (2025-10-30)	1,022.9 total · 414.4 in this make/model · 898.7 as PIC · 132 last 90 days

Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.

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