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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 5, 1994 · Enstrom 280C · N123MT

California City, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
California City, CA
Aircraft
Enstrom 280C
Tail Number
N123MT
Operator
Boyd J Bailey
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX94LA239

The pilot reported that the helicopter was in a hover in preparation for takeoff when a strong wind gust caused him to lose control. The helicopter subsequently rolled over. The airport manager reported that the winds at the time were from 090 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter.

Full Narrative

On June 5, 1994, at 1300 Pacific daylight time, an Enstrom 280C helicopter, N123MT, rolled over from a hover following a loss of control by the pilot at California City, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. Neither the certificated private pilot nor his one passenger were injured. The flight was originating at the time of the mishap as a cross-country flight to the Whitman airport, Pacoima, California. In a verbal statement, the pilot reported that the helicopter was in a hover in preparation for takeoff when a strong wind gust caused him to lose control. The helicopter subsequently rolled over. The airport manager reported that the winds at the time were from 090 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. The pilot refused to complete and submit a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 PDT
Nearest AirportCalifornia City (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom 280C
Tail NumberN123MT
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBoyd J Bailey
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 22 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data