# NTSB LAX06CA184: Robinson R44, N555JD, Wailuku, HI, May 28, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 28, 2006, 12:10 local (22:10 UTC) - Place: Wailuku, HI - Coordinates: 20.896667, -156.486663 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=20.8967&lon=-156.4867&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 29, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 63788 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX06CA184 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63788/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA184 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions that resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the landing area. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - object - tree(s) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Roll over, landing - terrain condition - rising - dynamic rollover - inadvertent, pilot in command ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N555JD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N555JD-2006-10-26), registration cancelled 2006-10-26, S/N 0834, built 2000 (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: 0834 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: T.J. Lane - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: HNL, Honolulu, HI - Destination: Wailuku, HI - Airport: NONE, Private Residence ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; private; medical: class 3; last flight review September 1, 2005; seat: right; flight hours: 796 total, 348 in this make and model, 666 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 60° at 20 knots, gusting 24 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft broken - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: OGG, 4 nm away ## 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 20060528008039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060528008039A), May 28, 2006: Robsin R44, Wailuku, HI, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot stated that during an attempt to land in a confined area at a private residence, when just before touch down a wind gust caused the main rotor… 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.