Hard landing Accident Robinson R44 II N744RM, Wednesday 2 January 2013

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Date:	Wednesday 2 January 2013
Time:	17:45 LT
Type:	Robinson R44 II
Owner/operator:
Registration:	N744RM
MSN:	11322
Year of manufacture:	2006
Total airframe hrs:	1193 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Menard, Texas - United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Menard, TX
Destination airport:	Menard, TX
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
As the helicopter was flying west in the direction of the sun and at 250 feet above ground level, the pilot heard a loud "bang" and observed a black object go by the left side of the helicopter. The object struck the passenger-side windshield. The pilot performed a forced landing to a highway. During the forced landing, both landing skids separated and the helicopter slid to a stop. The lower fuselage was buckled and wrinkled in several locations. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The helicopter landed hard during a forced landing.

Accident investigation: