Summary
On April 21, 2020, a Flightstar 2 (UNREG) was involved in an incident near Oakdale, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The noncertificated pilot’s decision to take off through a large helicopter’s rotor wash, which resulted in his inability to gain altitude during takeoff.
The noncertificated pilot in an unregistered light sport airplane, reported that he departed the runway during the initial takeoff climb and could not gain altitude. He attempted to return to the runway and landed hard in an orchard. The pilot later reported that prior to takeoff, a large helicopter was hovering close to the runway. "I believe I entered his rotor wash and lost lift."
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings.
The uncertificated pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR20CA127. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft UNREG.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The noncertificated pilot’s decision to take off through a large helicopter’s rotor wash, which resulted in his inability to gain altitude during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
The noncertificated pilot in an unregistered light sport airplane, reported that he departed the runway during the initial takeoff climb and could not gain altitude. He attempted to return to the runway and landed hard in an orchard. The pilot later reported that prior to takeoff, a large helicopter was hovering close to the runway. "I believe I entered his rotor wash and lost lift."
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings.
The uncertificated pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR20CA127