Austin, TX, USA
N74546
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Same as Factual Information
The helicopter had just departed a private heli-pad when the pilot's door opened. The pilot stated he became distracted trying to close the door and hit some trees and had a hard landing. Examination of the helicopter showed some of the main rotor blades were bent and separated, and the fuselage was bent. The pilot stated there was nothing wrong with the helicopter prior to impact.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter, resulting in impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the door was properly secured prior to flight.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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