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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

October 11, 1992 · Bell 47-D1 · N162B

El Monte, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
El Monte, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47-D1
Tail Number
N162B
Operator
Ochwatt Robert & Edward
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA010

WHILE ON A LOCAL HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT THE PILOT DEMONSTRATED A PINNACLE LANDING TO HILL TOP PLATEAU. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE FLARED HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHICH FORCED HIM TO LAND ON THE EDGE OF THE HILL. THE ENGINE POWER THEN RESTORED AND THE PILOT LIFTED OFF THE HELICOPTER AND AIR TAXIED IT TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE PLATEAU. DURING THE AIR TAXI THE ENGINE AGAIN LOST POWER AND THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER. FAA INSPECTORS REPORTED THAT THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE IMPACT WAS CONSISTENT WITH A LOW ROTOR RPM HARD LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE ROTOR RPM.

Full Narrative

WHILE ON A LOCAL HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT THE PILOT DEMONSTRATED A PINNACLE LANDING TO HILL TOP PLATEAU. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE FLARED HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHICH FORCED HIM TO LAND ON THE EDGE OF THE HILL. THE ENGINE POWER THEN RESTORED AND THE PILOT LIFTED OFF THE HELICOPTER AND AIR TAXIED IT TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE PLATEAU. DURING THE AIR TAXI THE ENGINE AGAIN LOST POWER AND THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER. FAA INSPECTORS REPORTED THAT THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE IMPACT WAS CONSISTENT WITH A LOW ROTOR RPM HARD LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47-D1
Tail NumberN162B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOchwatt Robert & Edward
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V200-C32 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data