Robinson Helicopter R44 accident near Dunn, Texas, February 26, 2021
On February 26, 2021 at about 9:40 pm local time, a 1999 Robinson Helicopter R44, registered N7184N, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Dunn, Texas. It was an other work-use flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 3 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
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The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The loss of rotor RPM for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 4, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- February 26, 2021 · about 9:40 pm local time
- Place
- Dunn, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 3 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R44, built 1999 · all R44s on the register
- Registration
- N7184N · registry record · serial 0116
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Other work-use flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot and two passengers were completing an aerial gunning flight. The helicopter was flying at 80 ft above ground level (agl), when the pilot heard the “rotors droop” and the “engine bog down.” He stated that he applied right pedal and increased the throttle input, but the engine did not respond. The helicopter descended into the trees and impacted the ground. The main rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The investigation was unable to determine the airspeed of the helicopter and the reason for the loss of rotor RPM based on the available evidence. A postaccident examination and engine functional test run revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
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 control in flight during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
- Low altitude operation/event during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Prop/rotor parameters › Not attained/maintained
- Environmental issues › Operating environment › (general) › (general) › Contributed to outcome
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 1,398 hours in all; 378 in this make and model; 70 in the last 90 days; 70 in the last 30 days; 1,318 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: February 28, 2020
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,749 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, February 16, 2021; 10 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,400 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 (piston); 400 hours total
- Operator: Top Gun Precision Ag LLC
The flight
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 240° at 11 knots, gusting 14
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 68°F (20°C), dew point 28°F (-2°C)
- Altimeter: 29.83 inHg
- Observation at 3:55 pm from KSNK, 9 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KSNK 262155Z AUTO 24011G14KT 10SM CLR 20/M02 A2983 RMK AO2 T01991023
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flig | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 2 |
About this page
Everything above comes from the NTSB's public accident database: the narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words, and the coded tables behind its report (pilot, aircraft, flight, weather, injuries, sequence of events) are written out in plain English. Pilots' ages, home towns and medical details are left out on purpose. The docket at the NTSB holds the report as a PDF and the investigation's photographs and documents. This site never names pilots, passengers or anyone else involved. A preliminary report describes what is known soon after the event and can change; the final report, with the probable cause, usually follows one to two years later and this page is refreshed when it does. Case number CEN21LA155.