On December 15, 1994, a Bell 206B (registration N37AJ) operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Julian, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during hover, which resulted in the right skid contacting a rock outcropping and the subsequent rollover of the helicopter. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter carrying hunters to the Julian mountains rolled over after its right skid struck a rock outcropping while the pilot was hovering with passengers aboard.
What happened
The flight was conducted for the purpose of transporting hunters to the mountainous terrain surrounding the town of Julian. During the operation, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter into a hover just a few feet above the ground to drop off the passengers.
While maintaining this position, the aircraft drifted slightly toward the right side. This lateral movement caused the right skid to make contact with a rock outcropping on the surface below. The impact destabilized the aircraft, causing it to roll over onto its side.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during hover, which resulted in the right skid contacting a rock outcropping and the subsequent rollover of the helicopter.
What happened in the 15 Dec 1994 Bell 206B accident near Julian, CA?
A helicopter carrying hunters to the Julian mountains rolled over after its right skid struck a rock outcropping while the pilot was hovering with passengers aboard.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Dec 1994 involved a Bell 206B, registration N37AJ, operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc., at Julian, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during hover, which resulted in the right skid contacting a rock outcropping and the subsequent rollover of the helicopter.
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