N544LB

Substantial
None

Robinson R44S/N: 0880

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
NTSB Number
CHI06CA143
Location
Stapleton, NE
Event ID
20060616X00747
Coordinates
41.433055, -100.483886
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot not maintaining clearance fron the tree during landing. A factor was the tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N544LB
Make
ROBINSON
Serial Number
0880
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2000
Model / ICAO
R44R44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Address
2001 PAN AMERICAN PLZ
Status
Deregistered
City
SAN DIEGO
State / Zip Code
CA 92101-1636
Country
United States

Analysis

The helicopter sustained substantial damage during landing when its rotor impacted a tree and the helicopter subsequently impacted terrain. Reported winds were variable at 4 knots. The pilot stated, "Picked landing site that was not smooth enough for a gentle set down. Lifted too quickly to reposition. This maneuver resulted in chopping top out of near pine tree damaging the main rotor at about 20 feet. The helicopter settled about 30 feet away coming to rest next to a building with more damage to the main, tailcone and skid struts." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter in reference to the flight.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI06CA143