Accident · 2021-07-19

NTSB case ERA21LA295 · ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II · Part 91

What the record says

Event date: 2021-07-19
Event type: Accident
Highest injury level: Fatal injury
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (N4529J)
Operating rule: Part 91
Operator: BLUE EAGLE AIRWAYS, INC. Matched by aircraft (N-number)

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation over a large body of water and a high velocity impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight during their initial training and improperly signing off the student for solo flight when he lacked the proper student pilot and medical certificate.

Source: NTSB case ERA21LA295

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	None recorded	None	36	None	25 total · 25 in this make/model · 10 as PIC

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

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