N8328Q

On September 14, 1999, at 1230 hours Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22, N8328Q, made a hard landing in hilly terrain near Azusa, California, while attempting a pinnacle approach and landing. The helicopter sustained substantial damage; however, the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was operated by Universal Aviators Academy, Inc., under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and was rented by the pilot for the local area personal flight. The flight originated from the El Monte, California, airport at 1100. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that he was practicing a pinnacle approach to the west when he encountered settling with power during the last 50 feet of the approach and decided to go around. During the go-around, he heard the low rpm audio and turned off the carburetor heat. Still settling, he had now dropped below the pinnacle and initiated a turn to the right toward more favorable terrain. As the helicopter continued to lose altitude, he made a hard landing in a brushy area. The helicopter remained upright, coming to rest on both skids.

The operator estimated the elevation of the accident site to be about 2,500 feet msl. Surface winds at the El Monte airport were reported as being from 210 degrees at 5 knots. Surface winds at Bracket Field, La Verne, California, were reported as 270 degrees at 8 knots. The surface temperature at the accident site was estimated by the operator to have been about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

A postaccident inspection by the operator revealed that the tailboom was buckled, the main rotor blades were damaged and the skids were spread.