Robinson R22B N7078B

Summary

On 11 March 2000 at about 22:00 local time, a Robinson R22B registered N7078B, operated by Smiley's Helicopters, was involved in an accident near San Diego, California, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 March 2000 at 22:00

Classification

Accident

Location

San Diego, California, United States

Coordinates

32.7999, -117.1302

Aircraft

Robinson R22B

Registration

N7078B

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Smiley's Helicopters

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Oceanside

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX00LA129

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's selection of an inadequate takeoff area which precluded his ability to remain in ground effect until entering translational lift and resulted in his failure to maintain main rotor rpm.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot landed the helicopter in the parking lot where his business was located to drop off a passenger and complete some business. After completing his business he elected to takeoff in a northerly direction along the west side of the building toward a parked van. This placed him a position to depart without a clear takeoff flight path, effectively eliminating his ability to remain in ground effect until entering translational lift. The pilot lifted to a hover, took off, and started his departure to the north. About 50 feet along the takeoff path, at an altitude of approximately 16 feet agl, the pilot noted a decrease in rotor rpm. He realized he would not be able to complete his planned departure and elected to execute a forced landing into the parking lot. He set the helicopter down in the parking lot as he veered to the right to avoid hitting the van. The tail rotor came into contact with the office window, breaking the window, and severely damaging the tail rotor and the tail rotor gearbox.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.