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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 24, 2018 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N630ML

Woodland, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Woodland, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2005)
Tail Number
N630ML
Operator
Flying M Air
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA140

The helicopter pilot reported that during an early morning flight, the visibility was good, but it was still dark. The helicopter pilot reported that the helicopter climbed to about 300 ft above ground level and she noticed that her iPad was not showing her location. While attempting to fix the iPad, she inadvertently pushed the cyclic forward. She reported that when she re-focused her attention outside the helicopter, impact was imminent, and the helicopter impacted trees. The helicopter came to rest on its left side facing the opposite direction of travel. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the both rotor systems. The pilot reported in the recommendation section of the National Transportation Board pilot aircraft accident report that the accident could have been prevented by not allowing herself to become distracted during flight. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s distraction due to her malfunctioning iPad, which led to her inadvertent forward cyclic application.

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that during and early morning flight, the visibility was good, but it was still dark. The helicopter pilot reported that the helicopter climbed to about 300ft above ground level and she noticed that her iPad was not showing her location. While attempting to fix the iPad, she inadvertently pushed the cyclic forward. She reported that when she re-focused her attention outside the helicopter, impact was imminent, and the helicopter impacted trees. The helicopter came to rest on its left side facing the opposite direction of travel. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the both rotor systems. The pilot reported in the Recommendation section of the National Transportation Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, that the accident could have been prevented by not allowing herself to become distracted during flight. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:00 PST
Nearest Airport1nm NE
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN630ML
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlying M Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind170° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time13:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data