Robinson R22 N8457J

Summary

On 26 February 1998 at about 21:18 local time, a Robinson R22 registered N8457J was involved in an accident near Littlerock, California, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 February 1998 at 21:18

Classification

Accident

Location

Littlerock, California, United States

Coordinates

34.4797, -117.9801

Aircraft

Robinson R22

Registration

N8457J

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Adelanto → Los Angeles

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX98FA098

1 person died.

The pilot's improper use of the rotorcraft cyclic control in response to encountering terrain induced turbulence. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing which contained precautionary notices for turbulence.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft fly overhead, then a 'schwap' sound, followed by silence. They looked up and saw the helicopter falling vertically to the ground. Postaccident investigation revealed that one main rotor blade had entered the cockpit through the left windshield half and cut the cabin floor aft to the left seat. The location of an indentation in the cyclic control crosstube, made by the rotor blade, corresponded to the cyclic control having been about in the full left control position. There was no evidence of a mechanical malfunction prior to the rotor divergence. A report of meteorological conditions by the Safety Board showed conditions conducive to mountain wave turbulence, and there were pilot reports of moderate to severe turbulence in the area of the accident. An AIRMET was in effect, calling for occasional moderate turbulence. The pilot did not receive a preflight weather briefing. The Aircraft Flight Manual instructed the pilot to 'minimize cyclic control inputs in turbulence; do not overcontrol' and to land the aircraft 'as soon as practical.' A manufacturer's Safety Notice regarding flight in high winds or turbulence advised pilots 'Do not overcontrol. Avoid large or abrupt control movements. Allow the aircraft to go with the turbulence, then restore level flight with smooth, gentle control inputs.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.