| Crash location | 32.411389°N, 99.681945°W |
| Nearest city | Abilene, TX
32.448736°N, 99.733144°W 3.9 miles away |
| Tail number | N442RS |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 18 Dec 2009 |
| Aircraft type | Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Ii |
| Additional details: | None |
While air-taxiing the helicopter away from the runway, the helicopter encountered an unexpected gust of winds while passing near a hanger. The private pilot lost control as the helicopter, and was unable to regain control before the helicopter's tail rotor impacted the ground. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and remained in the upright position. Neither the pilot or passenger were injured. An on-scene examination of the helicopter by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors failed to reveal any pre-impact anomalies. On the NTSB Form 6120.1 submitted by the private pilot, there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.