1990-06-07: Hughes 269B — Dolezal, Todd R. — Paso Robles, CA

Casualties unknown • Paso Robles, CA, US

Probable cause

THIS ACCIDENT WAS DYNAMIC ROLLOVER DUE TO THE TERRAIN SLOPE EXCEEDING THE CAPABILITY OF THE HELICOPTER.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS FLYING UP A VALLEY IN ROLLING HILL CONTRY AND ENCOUNTERED A SEVERE AND SUDDEN GUST OF WIND AS THE HELICOPTER FLEW OVER A RIDGE LINE AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE. THE PILOT SAID THE WIND GUST WAS ACCCOMPANIED BY STRONG TURBULENCE AND A SEVERE DOWN DRAFT. THE PILOT SAID THE HELICOPTER WAS FORCED DOWNWARD INTO THE GROUND AND HE WAS ABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT AND MAKE A NORMAL SOFT TOUCH DOWN ON THE CREST OF THE RIDGE. THE PILOT SAID THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE JUST AFTER TOUCH DOWN.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-06-07 Hughes 269B accident near Paso Robles, CA?

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS FLYING UP A VALLEY IN ROLLING HILL CONTRY AND ENCOUNTERED A SEVERE AND SUDDEN GUST OF WIND AS THE HELICOPTER FLEW OVER A RIDGE LINE AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE. THE PILOT SAID THE WIND GUST WAS ACCCOMPANIED BY STRONG TURBULENCE AND A SEVERE DOWN DRAFT. THE PILOT SAID THE HELICOPTER WAS FORCED…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-07 involved a Hughes 269B, registration N691RR, operated by Dolezal, Todd R., at Paso Robles, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THIS ACCIDENT WAS DYNAMIC ROLLOVER DUE TO THE TERRAIN SLOPE EXCEEDING THE CAPABILITY OF THE HELICOPTER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23452. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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