# NTSB LAX95LA052: Bell 206B, N37AJ, Julian, CA, December 15, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 15, 1994, 07:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Julian, CA
- Coordinates: 33.019454, -116.490692 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0195&lon=-116.4907&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28994
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28994/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA052

## Probable cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper alignment during hover in a mountainous area.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, hover
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rock(s)/boulder(s)

## Analysis

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO TAKE SOME HUNTERS INTO THE MOUNTAINS AROUND THE TOWN OF JULIAN. THE PILOT DROPPED OFF HIS PASSENGERS WHILE IN A HOVER A FEW FEET OFF THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER DRIFTED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AND THE RIGHT SKID CONTACTED A ROCK OUTCROPPING. THE HELICOPTER THEN ROLLED OVER.

## Factual narrative

On December 15, 1994, at 0730 Pacific standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N37AJ, rolled over during hover in a mountainous area near Julian, California.  The aircraft was operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc., of Carlsbad, California, and was on a repositioning flight after dropping off passengers.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.  The helicopter sustained substantial damage.  The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The flight originated at the Palomar-Carlsbad airport on the day of the accident about 0630 for the purpose of taking hunters into the mountains near Julian.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that he dropped off his passengers and was in a hover a few feet off the ground.  The helicopter drifted slightly to the right and the right skid contacted a rock outcropping.  The helicopter then rolled over.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37AJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N37AJ), registered now, S/N 1877 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 400HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-400hp) (registry code 03013, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1877
- Airframe hours: 5997
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Civic Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Chin Y Tu
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, June 9, 1994, 48 hours before
- Departed: CRQ, CARLSBAD, CA
- Destination: CRQ, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial, flight instructor; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °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 19941215041679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941215041679A), Dec 15, 1994: Bell 206B, Julian, CA, Substantial damage. During hover after dropping passengers drifted sideways. Skid hit rock outcropping. Helicopter rolled over.

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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