Plane Crash List

Lampert M500 N800GL

13 September 1997 · San Carlos, California, United States · Minor injuries

Summary

On 13 September 1997 at about 22:16 local time, a Lampert M500 registered N800GL was involved in an accident near San Carlos, California, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

The record

Date
at 22:16
Classification
Accident
Location
San Carlos, California, United States
Nearest airport
San Carlos (SQL)
Coordinates
37.4905, -122.2591
Aircraft
Lampert M500
Registration
N800GL
Category
Helicopter
Engines
1
Operator
Not recorded
Operating rule
Part 91: General Aviation
Purpose of flight
Personal
Phase of flight
Not recorded
Aircraft damage
Substantial
Weather
VMC
Light
Day
NTSB number
LAX97LA326

People

1 person had minor injuries.

On board Died Serious Minor Uninjured
1 0 0 1 0

Probable cause

loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's improper use of the flight controls following the loss of power. The pilot's lack of training/certification in rotorcraft operations was a factor in this accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine lost power, while he was holding short of a taxi way in a hover. The helicopter landed hard on its right skid and rolled over on its right side. Witnesses reported that they observed the helicopter at about 20 feet agl, when they heard the engine abruptly cease. They then reported seeing the pilot release the collective control with his left hand and apply full aft cyclic with both hands. The helicopter then pitched up to an approximately 45-degree angle while simultaneously falling. The helicopter and the airframe were examined by an FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic, and an FAA airworthiness inspector. No discrepancies were noted. The pilot did not hold a rotorcraft category rating and no evidence was found that he was endorsed for solo privileges in rotorcraft within the previous 90 days.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.

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