On Aug. 2, 2007, a Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed in the mountainous terrain of west central Washington state, U.S. The crash and subsequent fire took the lives of the pilot and three passengers who were touring logging sites. Witnesses said the helicopter lifted off, climbed straight up and turned left. This put the aircraft into a slight tailwind. They said that, after traveling a few hundred feet, the helicopter began to wobble and yaw back and forth. It then descended quickly, striking the ground. There was an explosion and the helicopter was immediately engulfed in flames.
Subsequent examination of the engine and airframe indicated no anomalies that would have contributed to the crash, the final report said. The 41-year-old commercial pilot had more than 2,000 hours in helicopters and was certified as a helicopter instructor. No evidence of alcohol or drug impairment was found. The weather, suitable for visual flight rules (VFR) operation, was not a factor.
The accident …
