JULIAN, CA, USA
N37AJ
BELL 206B
THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO TAKE SOME HUNTERS INTO THE MOUNTAINS AROUND THE TOWN OF JULIAN. THE PILOT DROPPED OFF HIS PASSENGERS WHILE IN A HOVER A FEW FEET OFF THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER DRIFTED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AND THE RIGHT SKID CONTACTED A ROCK OUTCROPPING. THE HELICOPTER THEN ROLLED OVER.
On December 15, 1994, at 0730 Pacific standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N37AJ, rolled over during hover in a mountainous area near Julian, California. The aircraft was operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc., of Carlsbad, California, and was on a repositioning flight after dropping off passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated at the Palomar-Carlsbad airport on the day of the accident about 0630 for the purpose of taking hunters into the mountains near Julian. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he dropped off his passengers and was in a hover a few feet off the ground. The helicopter drifted slightly to the right and the right skid contacted a rock outcropping. The helicopter then rolled over.
the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper alignment during hover in a mountainous area.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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