On October 11, 1992, a Bell 47-D1 (registration N162B) operated by Ochwatt, Robert & Edward was involved in an aviation accident near EL Monte, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE ROTOR RPM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter on a sightseeing flight experienced two power losses during a pinnacle landing to a hilltop plateau. After the first loss, power restored; during air taxi, second loss led to hard landing and rollover. Engine examination found no preexisting malfunction.
Incident Overview
During a local helicopter sightseeing flight, the pilot demonstrated a pinnacle landing to a hilltop plateau. As the pilot flared the helicopter, a loss of power occurred, forcing a landing on the edge of the hill. Engine power then restored, and the pilot lifted off and air taxied the helicopter toward the center of the plateau.
Second Power Loss and Rollover
While air taxiing, the engine again lost power. The helicopter then landed hard and rolled over.
Examination Findings
FAA inspectors conducted a wreckage examination and reported that the impact was consistent with a low rotor rpm hard landing. Examination of the engine disclosed no evidence of any preexisting malfunction or failure.
What happened in the 11 Oct 1992 Bell 47-D1 accident near EL Monte, CA?
A helicopter on a sightseeing flight experienced two power losses during a pinnacle landing to a hilltop plateau. After the first loss, power restored; during air taxi, second loss led to hard landing and rollover. Engine examination found no preexisting malfunction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Oct 1992 involved a Bell 47-D1, registration N162B, operated by Ochwatt, Robert & Edward, at EL Monte, CA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…