LAX06CA184

The main rotor blades contacted a tree branch during an attempted landing and the helicopter rolled over on its left side. The pilot attempted to land in front of a private residence that he had not been to before. When the helicopter was approximately 1 foot above the ground, a gust of wind blew the helicopter to the side and the main rotor blades struck a nearby tree branch. The pilot immediately set the helicopter down on its skids; however, the area was slightly sloped, and the helicopter rolled over onto its left side. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight or the attempted landing. A nearby airport, 4 statute miles to the northeast of the accident site, reported winds from 060 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 24 knots during the time of the accident.

On May 28, 2006, about 1210 Hawaiian standard time, a Robinson R44, N555JD, rolled over during landing and came to rest on its left side at a private residence in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. The pilot/owner was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii, about 1100, with a planned destination of Wailuku. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot submitted a written report. He began an approach to a private residence in Wailuku and attempted to land in an open area in front of the residence. It appeared to him that he had an adequate area in which to land. When the helicopter was approximately 1 foot off the ground, a sudden gust of wind blew the helicopter off course. The main rotor blades struck a nearby tree branch. The pilot immediately set the helicopter down on its skids; however, the area was slightly sloped and he stated that he encountered a dynamic rollover. He and his passenger immediately exited the helicopter. The passenger sustained a minor cut on her right foot and the pilot was uninjured.

The pilot reported that he had never landed at this residence before. He also reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted with the helicopter or engine during the flight or attempted landing.

Kahului Airport, Kahului, Hawaii, located 4 statue miles northeast of the accident site reported weather at 1154, as winds from 060 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 24 knots.