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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

December 15, 1994 · Bell 206B · N37AJ

Julian, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Julian, CA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N37AJ
Operator
Civic Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX95LA052

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO TAKE SOME HUNTERS INTO THE MOUNTAINS AROUND THE TOWN OF JULIAN. THE PILOT DROPPED OFF HIS PASSENGERS WHILE IN A HOVER A FEW FEET OFF THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER DRIFTED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AND THE RIGHT SKID CONTACTED A ROCK OUTCROPPING. THE HELICOPTER THEN ROLLED OVER.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper alignment during hover in a mountainous area.

Full Narrative

On December 15, 1994, at 0730 Pacific standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N37AJ, rolled over during hover in a mountainous area near Julian, California. The aircraft was operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc., of Carlsbad, California, and was on a repositioning flight after dropping off passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated at the Palomar-Carlsbad airport on the day of the accident about 0630 for the purpose of taking hunters into the mountains near Julian. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he dropped off his passengers and was in a hover a few feet off the ground. The helicopter drifted slightly to the right and the right skid contacted a rock outcropping. The helicopter then rolled over.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN37AJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCivic Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data