Casualties unknown

Helicopter Encounters Wind Gust and Rolls Over After Touchdown (N691RR)

Paso Robles, CA, US

On June 7, 1990, a Hughes 269B (registration N691RR) operated by Dolezal, Todd R. was involved in an aviation accident near Paso Robles, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THIS ACCIDENT WAS DYNAMIC ROLLOVER DUE TO THE TERRAIN SLOPE EXCEEDING THE CAPABILITY OF THE HELICOPTER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter flying up a valley in rolling hill country encountered a severe wind gust with turbulence and down draft over a ridge, forced downward, then touched down softly before rolling onto its side.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, the helicopter was flying up a valley in rolling hill country when it encountered a severe and sudden gust of wind as it flew over a ridge line at a very low altitude. The pilot reported that the wind gust was accompanied by strong turbulence and a severe down draft. The helicopter was forced downward into the ground, but the pilot was able to arrest the descent and make a normal soft touch down on the crest of the ridge. Immediately after touch down, the helicopter rolled over onto its side.

The pilot provided the account of the sequence of events. No further details were available from the source regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupants, or other circumstances.

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.