| Crash location | 31.501944°N, 97.080834°W |
| Nearest city | Robinson, TX
31.467669°N, 97.114723°W 3.1 miles away |
| Tail number | N4205D |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 12 May 2003 |
| Aircraft type | Bell 47G-4 |
| Additional details: | None |
On May 12, 2003, approximately 0730 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4 single-engine helicopter, N4205D, sustained substantial damage during a dynamic rollover after the tail rotor impacted the terrain while maneuvering near Robinson, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner of the helicopter, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the pilot's residence approximately 0715.
According to the pilot, he departed his residence and flew to a designated local practice area to practice autorotations, slope landings, and quick stop maneuvers. While performing a quick stop maneuver, the tail rotor contacted the ground, and the helicopter started to move to the right. The pilot stated that he "possibly overcorrected to the left, and the helicopter rolled over on its left side." The pilot reported that both tail rotor blades were bent, the main rotor blades were damaged, and the left skid was separated. The pilot did not find any evidence of a tail rotor strike on the ground. The pilot had accumlated approximately 132 hours in rotorcraft and 87 hours in the accident helicopter make and model.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the ground while performing a quick stop maneuver which resulted in a dynamic rollover.