# NTSB LAX05CA095: Robinson R44, N44NG, Lake Arrowhead, CA, February 14, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: February 14, 2005, 15:20 local (23:20 UTC) - Place: Lake Arrowhead, CA - Coordinates: 34.549999, -117.416664 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5500&lon=-117.4167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 8, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 61032 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX05CA095 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/61032/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA095 ## Probable cause the certified flight instructor's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions and his selection of terrain unsuitable for a safe takeoff which resulted in a dynamic rollover. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Roll over, takeoff - terrain condition - rough/uneven - weather condition - sudden windshift - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - dynamic rollover - inadvertent, pilot in command(cfi) ## Analysis The helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover and impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from uneven terrain. The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a pinnacle approach when the helicopter experienced a vortex ring state condition. After landing hard on uneven terrain, the CFI found that the right skid was on a 12-inch diameter rock and he attempted to lift the helicopter and set it on level ground. The left landing skid caught the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its left side. Once outside the helicopter, the CFI reported that the winds shifted 180 degrees several times. He felt that this contributed to his encountering the vortex ring state, and the dynamic rollover. The CFI stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. ## Factual narrative On February 14, 2005, about 1520 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R44, N44NG, experienced a dynamic roll over and collided with terrain while practicing a pinnacle approach near Lake Arrowhead, California. Flight Development, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) sustained minor injuries; the commercial pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The cross-country instructional flight departed Big Bear, California, about 1500, with a planned destination of Torrance, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 34 degrees 33 minutes north latitude and 117 degrees 25 minutes west longitude. The CFI stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. In the written statement attached to Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the CFI stated that he was demonstrating a pinnacle approach. The CFI selected a suitable landing spot with the intent not to land but to go around. Approximately 150 feet above the ground, the helicopter began to sink and it did not respond as he added collective to compensate. He felt that they were in a vortex ring state. Choosing not to risk losing his preferable landing spot by lowering the nose to gain airspeed, the CFI opted to set down there, and attempted to cushion the landing using the collective. After a hard landing and bouncing two or three times, the helicopter came to rest with the right landing skid on a rock approximately 12-14 inches high. The CFI then attempted to lift the helicopter off the rock and set it down on level ground. The helicopter balanced on the rock with the right skid, and the left skid was in the air. The helicopter rolled left, the left skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter experienced a dynamic roll over. Once outside the helicopter, the CFI reported that the winds shifted 180 degrees several times. He felt that this contributed to his encountering the vortex ring state, and the dynamic rollover. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N44NG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N44NG-2023-03-21), registration cancelled 2023-03-21, S/N 1078, built 2001 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R44 - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44) (registry code 7640120) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 1078 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Flight Development, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: L35, Big Bear, CA - Destination: TOA, Torrance, CA - Airport: L35, Big Bear City, runway 08 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 33; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2; seat: left; flight hours: 4,452 total, 2,866 in this make and model, 217 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days - Student pilot; age 32; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2; seat: right; flight hours: 494 total, 31 in this make and model, 40 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 41 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20050214005599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050214005599A), Feb 14, 2005: Robsin R44, Arrowhead, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Instructor pilot was demonstrating an approach to a confined area to a student in a remote area near lake Arrowhead without intention to land. Helicopter… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.