# NTSB DEN06CA064: Robinson R-22, N85560, Santa Fe, NM, April 15, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: April 15, 2006, 11:05 local (17:05 UTC)
- Place: Santa Fe, NM
- Coordinates: 35.667647, -105.94182
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6676&lon=-105.9418&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 29, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63502
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN06CA064
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63502/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA064

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper preflight planning and his failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff.  Factors contributing to the accident were the helicopter exceeding its maximum gross weight for takeoff and the high density altitude.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - drop-off/descending embankment

## Analysis

The helicopter was being operated at greater than its maximum gross weight for takeoff.  The airfield was at 6,387 feet mean sea level.  The temperature at the time of the accident was 61 degrees Fahrenheit.  The pilot said they lifted off and bounced across the ground trying to gain lift.  The helicopter then reached a 20 foot drop at the north end of the airport.  The helicopter dropped, impacted the terrain and rolled over causing the tail boom to separate, the main rotor blades to bend and fracture, the right skid to separate and the bubble canopy to come off and fragment.  The pilot and passenger on board were not injured.  The calculated density altitude was 7,914 feet.

## Factual narrative

The helicopter was being operated at greater than its maximum gross weight for takeoff.  The airfield was at 6,387 feet mean sea level.  The temperature at the time of the accident was 61 degrees Fahrenheit.  The pilot said they lifted off and bounced across the ground trying to gain lift.  The helicopter then reached a 20 foot drop at the north end of the airport.  The helicopter dropped, impacted the terrain and rolled over causing the tail boom to separate, the main rotor blades to bend and fracture, the right skid to separate and the bubble canopy to come off and fragment.  The pilot and passenger on board were not injured.  The calculated density altitude was 7,914 feet.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N85560](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N85560-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 0456, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0456
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald Olson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: Santa Fe, NM
- Destination: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2; flight hours: 500 total, 5 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.04 inHg
- Observed at: SAF

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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