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NTSB Report

February 24, 2002 · Saumure Exec 162F · N162KS

Ramona, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ramona, CA
Aircraft
Saumure Exec 162F
Tail Number
N162KS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA093

The helicopter entered into a descent after the pilot allowed the airspeed to slow below translational lift and he failed to maintain adequate main rotor rpm; the helicopter touched down hard on sloping terrain and rolled over. The pilot's passenger had been photographing a residence while the pilot was orbiting around the site, about 100 feet above ground level. While circling, the pilot allowed the helicopter's airspeed to decrease to 30 mph and the rotor rpm decreased. At the time, the helicopter was within about 100 pounds of its maximum gross weight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and main rotor rpm while performing a low altitude maneuver, which resulted in a loss of translational lift, a hard landing, and rollover on downhill terrain.

Full Narrative

On February 24, 2002, about 0920 Pacific standard time, a Saumure Exec 162F, N162KS, rolled over during a hard touchdown on sloping terrain about 4 miles north of Ramona, California. The helicopter was owned and operated by the commercial certificated pilot, and it was substantially damaged. The private pilot and passenger were not injured during the personal flight that was performed under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Ramona about 0855. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he and his passenger were orbiting a residence about 2,000 feet mean sea level. The purpose of the flight was to take pictures of the residence. While circling, they were approximately 100 feet above the terrain elevation. The pilot stated that he allowed the helicopter's airspeed to decrease to about 30 mph, and it lost effective translational lift. At the time, the helicopter was within about 100 pounds of its maximum gross weight. The pilot additionally reported that he got behind the power curve, main rotor rpm decreased, and the helicopter began descending. The pilot indicated that to attempt a recovery in the mountainous area would have uncertain results. Therefore, he thought it best to make a precautionary landing. The touchdown was hard on the downhill terrain, and during the impact the right rear landing gear tube fractured. According to the pilot, no mechanical malfunctions were experienced with his helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSaumure Exec 162F
Tail NumberN162KS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RI-162 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data