Robinson Helicopter R44 accident near Curren, Michigan, September 24, 2011
On September 24, 2011, a Robinson Helicopter R44, registered N8324F, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering near Curren, Michigan. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 2 people were killed. The weather was instrument conditions (cloud, fog or low visibility).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
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.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 24, 2011
- Place
- Curren, Michigan · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 2 people were killed.
- Weather
- instrument conditions (cloud, fog or low visibility)
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R44 · all R44s on the register
- Registration
- N8324F · no longer on the register · serial 0202
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The non-instrument-rated pilot and passenger departed on a cross-country trip; there was no record of the pilot obtaining a weather briefing or filing a flight plan. A witness observed and heard the helicopter flying in and out of low clouds and rain near the tops of trees. Shortly thereafter, he heard noises similar to gunfire, consistent with the helicopter impacting trees. The first identifiable tree strikes were about 500 feet from the main wreckage. Data recovered from a portable global positioning system unit did not show the accident flight; however, the data showed a similar route of flight on multiple previous occasions. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions; the damage was consistent with controlled flight into trees and the ground. Toxicological testing of the pilot revealed the use of multiple drugs that cause sedation, as well as the stimulant cocaine. The multiple sedating medications each have a high likelihood of impairment and their use posed a significant hazard to flight safety.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Controlled flight into terrain or object (CFIT) during maneuvering defining event
The NTSB's findings
- cause Personnel issues › Action/decision › Info processing/decision › Decision making/judgment › Pilot
- Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena › Ceiling/visibility/precip › Low ceiling › Contributed to outcome
- factor Personnel issues › Physical › Impairment/incapacitation › (general) › Pilot
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Altitude › Not attained/maintained
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 335 hours in all; 196 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 549 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, August 26, 2010
- Maximum gross weight: 2,500 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (piston); 0 hours total
- Fire on the ground
The flight
- Departed from: Richmond MI at 10:30 pm
- Destination: Alpena MI
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: dusk
- Wind: from 330° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Sky: broken clouds at 1,600 ft
- Temperature: 52°F (11°C), dew point 52°F (11°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
18 documents, released by the NTSB on October 1, 2012. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.