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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

July 30, 2002 · Robinson R22 BETA · N4074T

Fresno, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fresno, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N4074T
Operator
Mazzei Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA243

The helicopter collided with the uneven ground and rolled over during a quick stop maneuver. After a series of maneuvers, the certified flight instructor (CFI) repositioned the helicopter and entered a quick stop demonstration for the student. He "misjudged the terrain and wind conditions" and the helicopter settled quickly to the ground. During the descent, the CFI raised the collective and the rotor rpm decreased. The helicopter impacted the ground, became airborne, and then impacted the ground a second time. During the impact sequence, the main rotor struck the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The accident site and helicopter wreckage were examined by an FAA inspector. He reported observing a series of ground scars and wreckage debris that extended for 195 feet and culminated in the main helicopter wreckage. The first identifiable ground scars consisted of two parallel thin scars in the ground on the crest of a hillock, which were dimensionally consistent with the right and left skids; the scars extended 36 feet and terminated at the edge of a wash. At a distance of 105 feet across the wash, ground scars consistent with the tail rotor and stinger assemblies were noted; the tail rotor gearbox and blade assembly, along with the most aft portion of the tail boom, were found at this point. For the remaining 54 feet uphill to the location of the main wreckage, other ground scars and wreckage debris consistent with the skids were located.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the flight instructor to ensure maintenance of an adequate terrain clearance altitude while performing low level maneuvers.

Full Narrative

On July 30, 2002, at 0915 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N4074T, collided with the ground and rolled over while practicing quick stop maneuvers near Fresno, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial licensed flight instructor and a commercial pilot flight instructor candidate were not injured. The helicopter was operated by Mazzei Flying Service under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The local area instructional flight departed about 0900. In a written statement submitted by the CFI, he reported that after a series of maneuvers, he repositioned the helicopter and entered a quick stop over uneven terrain. He "misjudged the terrain and wind conditions" and the helicopter settled quickly to the ground. During the descent, the CFI raised the collective and the rotor rpm decreased. The helicopter impacted the ground, became airborne, and then impacted the ground a second time. During the impact sequence, the main rotor struck the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The accident site and helicopter wreckage were examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. He reported observing a series of ground scars and wreckage debris that extended for 195 feet and culminated in the main helicopter wreckage. The first identifiable ground scars consisted of two parallel thin scars in the ground on the crest of a hillock, which were dimensionally consistent with the right and left skids; the scars extended 36 feet and terminated at the edge of a wash. At a distance of 105 feet across the wash, ground scars consistent with the tail rotor and stinger assemblies were noted; the tail rotor gearbox and blade assembly, along with the most aft portion of the tail boom, were found at this point. For the remaining 54 feet uphill to the location of the main wreckage, other ground scars and wreckage debris consistent with the skids were located.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN4074T
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMazzei Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 37 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data