Robinson R-22 N83795

Summary

On 12 May 1997 at about 01:30 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N83795 was involved in an accident near Santa Margarita, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 May 1997 at 01:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Santa Margarita, California, United States

Coordinates

35.3099, -120.2702

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N83795

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → San Luis Obispo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

LAX97LA178

2 people had minor injuries.

The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate rotor rpm during a low pass maneuvering flight resulting in loss of control. High density altitude was a factor in the accident.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The density altitude was approximately 4,000 feet when the helicopter took off and departed the area. A witness reported that, moments later, the helicopter made a high speed flyby in the opposite direction at 2 or 3 feet above ground level after which the pilot made a climbing, steep turn at a near vertical bank angle. The helicopter then descended in the banked attitude until it impacted the terrain. The pilot reported that he recalled hearing the low rotor rpm warning horn before impact and that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.