19990914026739A

(.19) On septemer 14, 1999, at 1230 hours pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22, N8328Q, made a hard landing in Azusa, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage; however, the commercial rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight by universal aviators academy, inc., under the provisions of 14 CFR part 91 when the accident occurred. The flight originated from the el monte airport, el monte, California, at 1100 on the morning of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he was practicing a pinnacle approach to the west when he encountered "settling with power" during the last 50 feet of the approach. He heard the low RPM audio and turned off the carburetor heat. Still settling, he had now dropped below the pinnacle and so initiated a turn to the right. As the helicopter continued to lose altitude, he made a hard landing in a brushy area. The helicopter remained upright, coming to rest on both skids. A postaccident inspection by the operator revealed that the tailboom had buckled. Surface winds in the area were reported as being from 270 to 210 degrees at 5 to 8 knots. (.4)while performing a westbound pinnacle approach, the pilot encountered settling with power and decided to go around. During the go-around, the low RPM audio sounded. Still settling, the aircraft was below the pinnacle when the pilot initiated a right turn toward lower terrain. Unable to arrest the descent or clear the terrain, the helicopter landed hard. Surface winds at the closest reporting station were reported as being from 210 degrees at 5 knots.