Register

September 21, 2008, Kenosha, Wis., Robinson R44 II

The helicopter was destroyed at about 0538 Central time when it impacted an occupied house and terrain. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident; no flight plan was on file. The private pilot and a passenger were fatally injured; the five occupants in the house were uninjured. Earlier, witnesses reported hearing but not seeing a helicopter that sounded "really low." Reportedly, its "engine sounded like it was at low RPMs."

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A private pilot and passenger were fatally injured when their helicopter crashed into an occupied house and terrain at approximately 0538 Central time.
  • The accident occurred in instrument conditions, with low visibility and an overcast at 100 feet, and witnesses reported hearing the helicopter flying "really low" with "low RPMs."
  • The helicopter was destroyed by impact and fire, but all five occupants of the house it struck were uninjured.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The helicopter was destroyed at about 0538 Central time when it impacted an occupied house and terrain. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident; no flight plan was on file. The private pilot and a passenger were fatally injured; the five occupants in the house were uninjured. Earlier, witnesses reported hearing but not seeing a helicopter that sounded “really low.” Reportedly, its “engine sounded like it was at low RPMs.”

The rear and lower portions of the helicopter cabin, inner portions of the fuel tanks and the transmission between the fuel tanks were deformed and melted by fire.

At 0534, weather recorded nearby included wind from 360 degrees at three knots, visibility statute mile, mist, an overcast at 100 feet, temperature 17 degrees C and dew point 16 degrees C.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE