Robinson R44 N963JM
22 May 2005 · Sedona, Arizona, United States · No injuries
Summary
On 22 May 2005 at about 19:35 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N963JM, operated by Hawkhurst Helicopters LLC, was involved in an accident near Sedona, Arizona, 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.
The record
- Date
- at 19:35
- Classification
- Accident
- Location
- Sedona, Arizona, United States
- Nearest airport
- Sedona (KSEZ)
- Coordinates
- 34.8486, -111.7886
- Aircraft
- Robinson R44
- Registration
- N963JM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Engines
- 1
- Operator
- Hawkhurst Helicopters LLC
- Operating rule
- Part 91: General Aviation
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
- Phase of flight
- Not recorded
- Route
- Lake Havasu → Sedona
- Aircraft damage
- Substantial
- Weather
- VMC
- Light
- Day
- NTSB number
- LAX05CA185
People
Nobody was injured.
| On board | Died | Serious | Minor | Uninjured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Probable cause
the pilot's improperly planned approach and misjudged distance/speed. A factor was the high density altitude.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.
Read the full NTSB narrative
The pilot made an off airport landing in scrub brush, which damaged the helicopter. The pilot made an approach to the transient helipad. He reported that the helicopter was about 80 feet above ground level (agl) and on short final when the helicopter lost effective translational lift (ETL). He lowered the collective and added power. He stated that due to the high density altitude, the helicopter would not hover out of ground effect. He aborted the landing and tried to regain ETL. The helicopter continued a slow descent. About 20 feet agl, he attempted to flare and applied full collective. He landed in small trees and scrub brush. The helicopter remained upright, the engine was running, and the blades were turning. The pilot and passenger exited the helicopter without injury. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the helicopter. The density altitude was calculated to be in excess of 7,800 feet.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.
Other Robinson R44 accidents
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 May 2005 | Robinson R44 | Lucerne Valley, California, United States | - | Serious injuries | - |
| 13 Apr 2005 | Robinson R44 II | Woodward, Oklahoma, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 14 Feb 2005 | Robinson R44 | Lake Arrowhead, California, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 1 Nov 2005 | Robinson R44 | Bourne, Massachusetts, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 7 Sep 2005 | Robinson R44 | Slieve Aughty Mountains, Co Galway, Ireland, Ireland | - | Fatal | 2 |
| 9 Sep 2005 | Robinson R44 II | Jackson, Wyoming, United States | Upper Limit Aviation | No injuries | - |
Other accidents in this area
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Apr 2005 | Cameron Balloons A-210 | Marana, Arizona, United States | Jeffrey Gilles | Fatal | 1 |
| 13 Apr 2005 | Cessna T210M | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | - | Serious injuries | - |
| 10 Sep 2005 | Schweizer SGS2-33A | Peoria, Arizona, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 11 Sep 2005 | Ricardo Lopez RAF 2000 GTXSE | Wickenburg, Arizona, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 9 Feb 2005 | Cameron Balloons A-250 | Cave Creek, Arizona, United States | Hot Air Expeditions | Serious injuries | - |
| 17 Feb 2005 | Piper PA-28-161 | Chandler, Arizona, United States | - | No injuries | - |