Robinson R22 Beta accident near Redlands, CA
On December 15, 2003, a Robinson R22 Beta (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Redlands, CA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- December 15, 2003
- Place
- Redlands, CA
- Aircraft
- Robinson R22 Beta · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 34.070°N, 117.233°W
- NTSB ID
- 20031219X02066
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 15, 2003, at 0958 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N1225D, crashed into a city street near Redlands, California, following a loss of engine power. Supersonic Aviation, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the helicopter was destroyed. The personal cross-country flight departed San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), San Bernardino, California, about 0940, with a planned stop at the French Valley Airport (F70), Temecula, California, before returning to SBD. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 34 degrees 04.13 minutes north latitude and 117 degrees 13.58 minutes west longitude. Witnesses reported that the accident helicopter was flying about 2 miles south of SBD, when they heard the engine start to miss-fire and then quit. The helicopter turned to the west and appeared to be attempting an autorotation to the street below. At 200 to 300 feet above ground level (agl) they observed the rotors coning up and then stop rotation completely. The helicopter fell straight down coming to rest on the city street below. There was no post impact fire. PERSONNEL INFORMATION A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records revealed that the pilot had a private pilot certificate for rotorcraft, and a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single and multiengine land airplanes. He also held an instrument airplane rating. The pilot was issu
Probable cause
a loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently turning off the magnetos and his failure to initiate an autorotation and to maintain main rotor rpm. A factor in the accident was the pilot's use of an over-the-counter medication that impaired his judgment and/or performance.
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Browse: California · Robinson aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
