Robinson Helicopter R44 accident near Beaumont, Texas, September 15, 2014
On September 15, 2014 at about 9:30 pm local time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, registered N9844N, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Beaumont, Texas (Jack Brooks Rgnl airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 2 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's loss tail rotor effectiveness while attempting a taxiway side-step during landing. Contributing to the accident was another pilot's failure to ensure the runway was clear before occupying the runway for takeoff.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 15, 2014 · about 9:30 pm local time
- Place
- Beaumont, Texas · Jack Brooks Rgnl · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 2 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R44 UNDESIGNAT · all R44s on the register
- Registration
- N9844N · no longer on the register · serial 0450
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
According to the pilot's statement, he made a radio call he was entering left base of the traffic pattern for the runway. He heard another radio call for an airplane taxiing to the runway and saw the airplane approaching the run-up area. The pilot made a radio call he was turning onto final for the runway. He saw the other airplane move toward the runway hold short line and he made another announcement he was on final approach for the runway. As he approached the runway end, the other airplane "nosed over the line." During the landing flare at midfield, the other aircraft made a radio call to takeoff on the runway. The pilot attempted to depart the runway area for the taxiway. As he turned the helicopter toward the taxiway, he felt the helicopter "swing hard and turn," then begin to spin. The pilot stated he lost control and landed hard "crushing" the skids.
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
- Loss of tail rotor effectiveness during takeoff defining event
The NTSB's findings
- cause Personnel issues › Action/decision › Action › Incorrect action performance › Pilot
- factor Personnel issues › Action/decision › Action › Incorrect action selection › Pilot of other aircraft
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 434 hours in all; 122 in this make and model; 239 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: September 9, 2014
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: no injuries
Passenger
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: BPT Beaumont TX
- Destination: BPT Beaumont TX
- Flight plan: VFR
- Runway 12, 6,750 ft by 150 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 4,900 ft
- Temperature: 91°F (33°C), dew point 72°F (22°C)
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observation at 9:53 pm from BPT
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
2 documents, released by the NTSB on May 7, 2015. 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.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Pilot Statement to FAA Inspector | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
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.