R-44 crash (N62CD), Nov 1, 2024

[AV8R_87]

Missed it when it happened, but the prelim has some good info.
Student pilot with no medical, 139 hours TT and all in type, carrying his wife and 2yo kid for a night flight. All died.

Pilot in deadly helicopter crash had student license, report says

A preliminary report from federal investigators revealed that the man piloting a helicopter in a deadly crash was not authorized to fly without an instructor.

www.kplctv.com

Accident Robinson R44 Raven II N62CD, Friday 1 November 2024

The helicopter crashed on a road and was consumed by a post crash fire. Two adults and an infant were killed. According to the FAA “Airmen Inquiry” database, Savant was certified as ...

asnc.flightsafety.org

 

[flyingron]

Hogg, get away form that thing.
The helicopter appears to be owned by the unlicensed pilot.

 

[Velocity173]

Almost 140 hrs and still no PPL? Sounds like he may have had a medical issue and just elected to continue training instead of calling it quits.

 

[flyingron]

Almost 140 hrs and still no PPL? Sounds like he may have had a medical issue and just elected to continue training instead of calling it quits.

Several possibilities:
1. Figured he knew it all and didn't need to go through the effort of a checkride.
2. He's one of these guys who will pay an instructor to go where he wants possibly throwing in a free dinner without actually learning anything.

 

[Warlock]

I bet this is not his first joy ride…can’t wait for the toxicology report…just mind blowing how wrong this is.

 

[Velocity173]

I bet this is not his first joy ride…can’t wait for the toxicology report…just mind blowing how wrong this is.

Yeah I was thinking the same. Probably snuck out with friends / family before.

 

[Racerx]

I bet this is not his first joy ride…can’t wait for the toxicology report…just mind blowing how wrong this is.

Student pilots Facebook confirms... definitely not first joy ride.

 

[frfly172]

Why would he need a license,got away with a joy ride before. Unfortunately he took his young family with him.

 

[40YearDream]

Looks like the weather was good at the time - but was there moonlight, and was there enough ground lights (street lights etc.) to provide a visual horizon?

 

[AV8R_87]

Eyewitnesses mentioned (I think I saw it in a news article) it sounded like an engine problem and he was aiming for the road, but botched the autorotation when the engine quit.