Accident · 2009-02-01
What the record says
- Event date
- 2009-02-01
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- Minor injury
- Aircraft
- ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (N944U)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- UPPER LIMIT AVIATION Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- UPPER LIMIT AVIATION
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to fly at low altitude while maneuvering in mountainous terrain in a canyon and inadvertently exceeding the climb capability of the helicopter. Contributing to the accident were a high density altitude, mountainous terrain, and a tailwind encountered during the attempted course reversal.
Source: NTSB case WPR09CA105Flight 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 | Flight instructor / Commercial | Helicopter | 21 | Class 2 (2009-01-20) | 524 total · 101 in this make/model · 433 as PIC · 194 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.