Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

January 28, 2005 · Robinson R22 · N7535Z

Chandler, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 28, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chandler, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N7535Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05CA078

The helicopter collided with terrain following a loss of antitorque control during a practice slope landing. On the third or fourth practice landing, the helicopter's skids were positioned so that the rear portions angled downwards toward lower terrain. As the student pilot configured the flight controls to remove the load off the rotor blades, the tail of the helicopter began to tip backwards. The CFI took control of the helicopter and added power to prevent the tail rotor from striking terrain. The helicopter responded by rotating to the right about the vertical axis. The CFI attempted to maintain level flight and counteract the spin by applying antitorque pedal input, but was unable to maintain control of the helicopter. After four or five revolutions to the right, the helicopter's right front section impacted terrain

NTSB Probable Cause

the certified flight instructor's inadequate use of the antitorque control pedals while adding throttle, which led to a loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

On January 28, 2005, about 1630 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22, N7535Z, collided with terrain during a practice landing near Chandler Municipal Airport, Chandler, Arizona. Quantum Helicopters was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight originated from Chandler about 1525. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the CFI stated that the PUI was performing practice slope landings. On the third or fourth practice landing, the helicopter touched down on uneven terrain. The helicopter's skids were positioned so that the rear portions angled downwards toward lower terrain. As the student pilot configured the flight controls to remove the load off the rotor blades, the tail of the helicopter began to tip backwards. The CFI took control of the helicopter and added power to prevent the tail rotor from striking terrain. The helicopter responded by rotating to the right about the vertical axis. The pilot attempted to maintain level flight and counteract the spin by applying antitorque pedal input, but was unable to maintain control of the helicopter. After four or five revolutions to the right, the helicopter's right front section impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained damage to the tail cone assembly and both rotor blades. The pilot was unable to verify the orientation of the cyclic during the accident. The CFI reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 MST
Nearest AirportChandler Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN7535Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 Series · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Crew 2Age 26 · Second Class

Conditions

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

Appendix: Source Data