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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

May 28, 2006 · Robinson R44 · N555JD

Wailuku, HI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Wailuku, HI
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Tail Number
N555JD
Operator
Tango Juliet Leasing
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX06CA184

The main rotor blades contacted a tree branch during an attempted landing and the helicopter rolled over on its left side. The pilot attempted to land in front of a private residence that he had not been to before. When the helicopter was approximately 1 foot above the ground, a gust of wind blew the helicopter to the side and the main rotor blades struck a nearby tree branch. The pilot immediately set the helicopter down on its skids; however, the area was slightly sloped, and the helicopter rolled over onto its left side. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight or the attempted landing. A nearby airport, 4 statute miles to the northeast of the accident site, reported winds from 060 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 24 knots during the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions that resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the landing area.

Full Narrative

On May 28, 2006, about 1210 Hawaiian standard time, a Robinson R44, N555JD, rolled over during landing and came to rest on its left side at a private residence in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. The pilot/owner was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii, about 1100, with a planned destination of Wailuku. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot submitted a written report. He began an approach to a private residence in Wailuku and attempted to land in an open area in front of the residence. It appeared to him that he had an adequate area in which to land. When the helicopter was approximately 1 foot off the ground, a sudden gust of wind blew the helicopter off course. The main rotor blades struck a nearby tree branch. The pilot immediately set the helicopter down on its skids; however, the area was slightly sloped and he stated that he encountered a dynamic rollover. He and his passenger immediately exited the helicopter. The passenger sustained a minor cut on her right foot and the pilot was uninjured. The pilot reported that he had never landed at this residence before. He also reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted with the helicopter or engine during the flight or attempted landing. Kahului Airport, Kahului, Hawaii, located 4 statue miles northeast of the accident site reported weather at 1154, as winds from 060 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 24 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 HST
Nearest AirportPrivate Residence (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN555JD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTango Juliet Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 20 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data