# NTSB LAX90LA210: Hughes 269B, N691RR, Paso Robles, CA, June 7, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1990, 17:25 local (Jun 7, 1990, 00:25 UTC)
- Place: Paso Robles, CA
- Coordinates: 35.609485, -120.760276 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6095&lon=-120.7603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26833
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA210
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26833/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA210

## Probable cause

THIS ACCIDENT WAS DYNAMIC ROLLOVER DUE TO THE TERRAIN SLOPE EXCEEDING THE CAPABILITY OF THE HELICOPTER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - slope capability - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS FLYING UP A VALLEY IN ROLLING HILL CONTRY AND ENCOUNTERED A SEVERE AND SUDDEN GUST OF WIND AS THE HELICOPTER FLEW OVER A RIDGE LINE AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE. THE PILOT SAID THE WIND GUST WAS ACCCOMPANIED BY STRONG TURBULENCE AND A SEVERE DOWN DRAFT. THE PILOT SAID THE HELICOPTER WAS FORCED DOWNWARD INTO THE GROUND AND HE WAS ABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT AND MAKE A NORMAL SOFT TOUCH DOWN ON THE CREST OF THE RIDGE. THE PILOT SAID THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE JUST AFTER TOUCH DOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N691RR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N691RR), registered now, S/N 124-0143 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 124-0143
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dolezal, Todd R.
- Registered owner: Todd Dolezal
- Departed: PRB
- Destination: PRB

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 950 total, 200 in this make and model, 900 as pilot in command, 85 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 23 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900606018959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900606018959A), Jun 6, 1990: Hughes 269B, Paso Robles, CA, Substantial damage. Flying low below ridge. Downdraft forced a landing on ridge crest. Helicopter rolled over on touchdown.

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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