5) BUZZING / ACRO, C-FIT

Robinson R44 | N144SG

February 27th, 2025 | Uvalde, Texas

Accident Location

  • City: Uvalde
  • State: Texas
  • Latitude: 29.24222
  • Longitude: -100.0797222
  • Airport ID:

Aircraft Info

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Robertson, William Garrett
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 41
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Unknown
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: February 27th, 2025
  • Time: 2:20 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Maneuvering
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 2
  • PAX Fatalities: 1
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 2
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 5) BUZZING / ACRO, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot was seen maneuvering the helicopter at a very low altitude just prior to the accident, whereupon the main rotor eventually struck a ground object, causing the accident sequence. It is still unclear how or where the blades contacted terrain. There was mention of an associated downed powerline at the crash site by an anonymous local source but that information is not confirmed yet. The helicopter was owned by Holt Helicopters and there has been a long relationship between the helicopter company and the hunting ranch. The crash location is on the Harris Ranch where hunting expeditions are common to occur, and a helicopter is routinely used to look for game from the air. This quote from a local news station: “Kinney County Judge John Paul Schuster told KENS 5 the two were experienced and the flight was “one of their annual trips.” He added that they were surveying game over the ranch before the crash occurred.”

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all helicopters rehearse and condition minimum standards for flight, and that they maintain sufficient altitude so as to remain clear of unseen ground based objects, especially in helicopters which routinely operate below 100 AGL.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.