Summary
On December 19, 2005, a Robinson R22 Beta (N177LH) was involved in an incident near Irwindale, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot failed to maintain adequate main rotor rpm.
On December 18, 2005, about 1700 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N177LH, collided with terrain during takeoff in a rocky field in the vicinity of Irwindale, California. Universal Air Academy operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and had rented it to the private pilot. The pilot was not injured and the helicopter was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight originated at El Monte Airport, El Monte, California, about 1600.
In a written statement the pilot said that he was practicing landings, climbs, descents, and approaches over an area where he could safely land. He landed the helicopter, then took off to the south, and made a left downwind turn.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX06CA060. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N177LH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot failed to maintain adequate main rotor rpm.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 18, 2005, about 1700 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N177LH, collided with terrain during takeoff in a rocky field in the vicinity of Irwindale, California. Universal Air Academy operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and had rented it to the private pilot. The pilot was not injured and the helicopter was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight originated at El Monte Airport, El Monte, California, about 1600.
In a written statement the pilot said that he was practicing landings, climbs, descents, and approaches over an area where he could safely land. He landed the helicopter, then took off to the south, and made a left downwind turn. During the takeoff and left downwind turn he said he climbed too fast without much forward airspeed and was trying to avoid some trees when the helicopter started an uncontrolled descent. During the descent he heard the rpm horn. He tried to enter an autorotation but he was too close to the ground, and the helicopter impacted the terrain. He extracted himself out of the wreckage and hiked out of the area to get help and report the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX06CA060