Robinson R44 N555JD

Summary

On 28 May 2006 at about 22:10 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N555JD was involved in an accident near Wailuku, Hawaii, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 May 2006 at 22:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Wailuku, Hawaii, United States

Nearest airport

Private Residence (NONE)

Coordinates

20.8967, -156.4867

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N555JD

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Honolulu → Wailuku

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX06CA184

1 person had minor injuries.

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions that resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the landing area.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The main rotor blades contacted a tree branch during an attempted landing and the helicopter rolled over on its left side. The pilot attempted to land in front of a private residence that he had not been to before. When the helicopter was approximately 1 foot above the ground, a gust of wind blew the helicopter to the side and the main rotor blades struck a nearby tree branch. The pilot immediately set the helicopter down on its skids; however, the area was slightly sloped, and the helicopter rolled over onto its left side. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight or the attempted landing. A nearby airport, 4 statute miles to the northeast of the accident site, reported winds from 060 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 24 knots during the time of the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.