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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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March 5, 1986 · Robinson R-22 · N9072Z

El Toro, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 5, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
El Toro, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N9072Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA135

A HELICOPTER CRASHED INTO A MOUNTAIN SLOPE EAST OF EL TORO, CA WHILE ON A BUSINESS FLT. WHILE THE ACFT APPROACHED THE MOUNTAIN PEAK THE PLT EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DESCENT AND ABORTED THE LANDING. DURING THE GO-AROUND, AT ADECREASED MAIN ROTOR RPM, THE ACFT CONTINUED TO SETTLE AND THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES OR FAILURES WITH THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

A HELICOPTER CRASHED INTO A MOUNTAIN SLOPE EAST OF EL TORO, CA WHILE ON A BUSINESS FLT. WHILE THE ACFT APPROACHED THE MOUNTAIN PEAK THE PLT EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DESCENT AND ABORTED THE LANDING. DURING THE GO-AROUND, AT ADECREASED MAIN ROTOR RPM, THE ACFT CONTINUED TO SETTLE AND THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES OR FAILURES WITH THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN9072Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data