Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX93LA010

EL MONTE, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N162B

BELL 47-D1

Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT THE PILOT DEMONSTRATED A PINNACLE LANDING TO HILL TOP PLATEAU. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE FLARED HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHICH FORCED HIM TO LAND ON THE EDGE OF THE HILL. THE ENGINE POWER THEN RESTORED AND THE PILOT LIFTED OFF THE HELICOPTER AND AIR TAXIED IT TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE PLATEAU. DURING THE AIR TAXI THE ENGINE AGAIN LOST POWER AND THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER. FAA INSPECTORS REPORTED THAT THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE IMPACT WAS CONSISTENT WITH A LOW ROTOR RPM HARD LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE ROTOR RPM.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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