Robinson R44 accident near Lucerne Valley, CA
On May 28, 2005, a Robinson R44 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Lucerne Valley, CA. 3 people were seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- May 28, 2005
- Place
- Lucerne Valley, CA
- Aircraft
- Robinson R44 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 0 fatal, 3 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 34.629°N, 116.684°W
- NTSB ID
- 20050601X00698
Official records · LAX05FA189
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 28, 2005, about 1150 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R44, N7015Q, impacted terrain while maneuvering during low-level flight near Lucerne Valley, California. Concrete Paving Contractors, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The owner, a private pilot, a certified flight instructor (CFI) safety pilot, and one passenger were seriously injured; the helicopter was destroyed following a post impact fire. The local personal flight departed Redlands, California, at 0951. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 34 degrees 37.46 minutes north latitude and 116 degrees 41.02 minutes west longitude. Witnesses observed the helicopter in the area, flying low during a desert off road race. The helicopter crossed the racecourse on a southbound heading. Witness reported that shortly after crossing the racecourse it appeared that the helicopter was attempting to reverse course back towards the north. The helicopter pitched nose down and leveled off just before it impacted into a dry streambed. Upon impact, the helicopter burst into flames. All three people on board the helicopter sustained burns while exiting the burning helicopter. The operator submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) on June 21, 2005. The pilot submitted a revised NTSB Form 6120.1/2 on August 11, 2005. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and directional control while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing factors in the accident were the helicopter's gross weight in excess of the maximum hover out of ground effect limit, a high density altitude, and the pilot's lack of overall experience with regard to low rpm and settling-with-power recovery techniques.
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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.
