ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 299244
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| Date: | Saturday 11 March 2000 |
| Time: | 14:00 LT |
| Type: |  Robinson R22B |
| Owner/operator: | Smiley's Helicopters |
| Registration: | N7078B |
| MSN: | 3046 |
| Year of manufacture: | 2000 |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-360 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, California -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | |
| OCEANSIDE , CA (KOKB) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot landed the helicopter in the parking lot where his business was located to drop off a passenger and complete some business. After completing his business he elected to takeoff in a northerly direction along the west side of the building toward a parked van. This placed him a position to depart without a clear takeoff flight path, effectively eliminating his ability to remain in ground effect until entering translational lift. The pilot lifted to a hover, took off, and started his departure to the north. About 50 feet along the takeoff path, at an altitude of approximately 16 feet agl, the pilot noted a decrease in rotor rpm. He realized he would not be able to complete his planned departure and elected to execute a forced landing into the parking lot. He set the helicopter down in the parking lot as he veered to the right to avoid hitting the van. The tail rotor came into contact with the office window, breaking the window, and severely damaging the tail rotor and the tail rotor gearbox.
Probable Cause: The pilot's selection of an inadequate takeoff area which precluded his ability to remain in ground effect until entering translational lift and resulted in his failure to maintain main rotor rpm.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB LAX00LA129
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 16-Oct-2022 04:17 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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