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July 27, 2017 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II II · N7535G

Santa Ana, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Santa Ana, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II II (2006)
Tail Number
N7535G
Operator
Orbic Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR17LA167

The commercial pilot reported that during takeoff, the helicopter rolled to the right, and he was unable to arrest the roll with cyclic input. The right skid and main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter spun 360° before it came to rest upright with the tail rotor assembly severed from the tailboom. Postaccident examination of the flight control system revealed flight control continuity with no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. In addition, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter at the time of the accident. Thus, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering during takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering during takeoff.

Full Narrative

On July 26, 2017, about 1945 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, N7535G, was substantially damaged following takeoff at John Wayne-Orange County Airport (SNA), Santa Ana, California. The commercial pilot was not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by RS Aviation Services as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on a company flight plan. The flight originated from SNA with an intended destination of Bob Hope Airport (BUR), Burbank, California. The pilot reported that during takeoff, he experienced a sudden right roll which was uncorrectable with the cyclic input. Video that captured the accident sequence revealed that shortly after takeoff, the helicopter rolled to the right, and the right skid and main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter then spun 360° before it came to rest upright with the tailrotor assembly severed from the tailboom. Postaccident examination of the wreckage at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that flight control continuity was established with no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 PDT
Nearest AirportJohn Wayne Airport-Orange Coun (0nm SW)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II II
Tail NumberN7535G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOrbic Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind220° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 64 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data