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March 22, 2005 · Robinson R-22 BETA · N716GH

Waddell, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 22, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Waddell, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA
Tail Number
N716GH
Operator
Gold Coast Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05LA119

The helicopter contacted high vegetation and rolled over while maneuvering at low altitude. The pilot reported that he went over a small hill into a ravine. As he tried to gain altitude to climb out of the ravine, rotor rpm decayed. The pilot turned the helicopter; however, the right skid hooked onto vegetation. The helicopter rolled over separating the main rotor system, tail boom, and tail rotor.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm and obstacle clearance, resulting in a dynamic rollover and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On March 22, 2005, about 1000 mountain standard time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N716GH, contacted high vegetation and rolled over while maneuvering at low altitude near Waddell, Arizona. Gold Coast Aviation was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight departed Glendale, Arizona, about 0900. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot and passenger rented the helicopter from Gold Coast Aviation with an intended flight from Glendale to Tucson, Arizona. Prior to departure, the pilot and passenger agreed that they would fly north for a photo flight over the passenger's house before heading to Tucson. The pilot reported that after the photo flight, they proceeded westbound to try to locate a few of his friends who were riding in the desert. He stated that he never intended on landing, but after locating them, he decided to land. The pilot reported that he went over a small hill into a ravine. As he tried to gain altitude to climb out of the ravine, main rotor rpm decayed. The pilot turned the helicopter; however, the right skid hooked onto vegetation. The helicopter rolled over separating the main rotor system, tail boom, and tail rotor. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The operator submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120 1/2). The pilot did not submit an NTSB Form 6120. 1/2, but did submit a written statement.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA
Tail NumberN716GH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGold Coast Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data