# NTSB LAX91LA180: Townsend Executive, N7135X, Redding, CA, April 19, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1991, 11:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Redding, CA
- Coordinates: 40.7299, -122.600067 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7299&lon=-122.6001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 7, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27178
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27178/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA180

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER.  A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN HELICOPTERS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT DOES NOT HOLD A ROTORCRAFT CLASS RATING, HOWEVER, WAS ENDORSED FOR SOLO PRIVILEGES IN THE TOWNSEND EXECUTIVE HELICOPTER.  THE PILOT SAID HE WAS PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS AND LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WHILE TURNING FROM BASE TO FINAL. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND IN A LEFT BANKED ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7135X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7135X-1999-02-16), registration cancelled 1999-02-16, S/N 2961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TOWNSEND EXECUTIVE
- Registry model: [Townsend Leslie E EXEC](https://openairdocs.org/model/townsend-leslie-e-exec) (registry code 13017LB) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2961
- Engines: ROTORWAY RW-152 152 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Leslie E. Townsend
- Registered owner: Leslie E. Townsend
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: RDD, Redding Muni, runway 36, 2,000 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 446 total, 50 in this make and model, 346 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19910419011689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910419011689A), Apr 19, 1991: Amtr ROTORWAYEXEC, Redding, CA, Substantial damage. Student helicopter pilot lost control of homebuilt turning final for hover landing.

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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