NTSB Factual Report

On April 30, 2018, at 1355 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II helicopter, N423ML, sustained substantial damage subsequent to a precautionary landing near Borrego Springs, California. The airline transport pilot and 3 passengers were not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Big Blue Corp. Inc. as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Rams Hill Golf Club, Borrego Springs, California about 1350.

According to the pilot, the flight from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Palm Springs, California, to the golf course to pick up his passengers was uneventful. After departing from the golf course, the pilot heard a loud bang and decided to make a precautionary landing. The pilot stated that during the precautionary landing, he had a headwind and the landing should have been uneventful. However, about 15 ft above the ground (agl), the wind shifted, and the helicopter landed hard, coming to rest on its side.

The helicopter was recovered and moved to secure storage for further examination.