# NTSB LAX92LA133: Helio HST-550A, N550HZ, Salome, AZ, March 1, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1992, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Salome, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.719402, -113.650741 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7194&lon=-113.6507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27570
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27570/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA133

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING, IMPROPER ALTITUDE, AND DELAYING THE REQUIRED REMEDIAL ACTION TO PREVENT THE COLLISION WITH THE MOUNTAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND AND DOWNDRAFT CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT AND A PASSENGER WERE CONDUCTING A LOW LEVEL FLIGHT OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE SURFACE WIND CONDITIONS WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM THE SOUTH AT OR ABOVE 20 KNOTS.  THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE APPROACHED THE MOUNTAIN PEAK IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION AND CLIMBED THE AIRPLANE TO AN ALTITUDE OF 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAIN.  THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFT CONDITIONS ON THE LEE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN.  THE PILOT FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY CORRECT FOR THIS CONDITION AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE UPSLOPING MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WHEN THE PILOT WAS EXECUTING A 180 DEGREE TURN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N550HZ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N550HZ), registered now, S/N 007, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HELIO HST-550A
- Registry model: [Helio HST-550A](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-hst-550a) (registry code 4301006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52032, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 007
- Engines: P&W PT6A-27 680 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Maytag, David D. Jr.
- Registered owner: Maytag, David D. Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 17, 1991
- Departed: PRC, PRESCOTT, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,725 total, 72 in this make and model, 1,564 as pilot in command, 81 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19920301004799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920301004799A), Mar 1, 1992: Helio HST550A, Salome, AZ, Destroyed. Approached mountain lee side at unsafe altitude. Encountered severe downdraft. Crashed on mountainside.

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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