On August 28, 2004, a Robinson R44 (registration N315SG) was involved in an aviation accident near Wildwood, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while conducting a nighttime landing to a dolly, which resulted in a stuck skid, and subsequent hard landing. A factor was the nighttime conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot aborted a nighttime landing on a dolly after feeling instability, but the helicopter lurched forward and spun. The subsequent hard touchdown spread the landing skids. Inspection revealed the left skid became stuck under the dolly's metal framework.
Incident Details
During a nighttime operation, the pilot was positioning a helicopter onto a dolly. As the aircraft began its descent, it felt unstable, prompting the pilot to abort the landing. The pilot then raised the collective control, but the helicopter lurched forward and began to spin to the left. In response, the pilot lowered the collective and reduced the throttle. The helicopter subsequently touched down hard onto the ground, which caused the landing skids to spread apart.
Subsequent Inspection
An inspection of the dolly and the helicopter's landing skids revealed that the rear portion of the left skid had become stuck under a section of metal framework. This framework was exposed in an open area near the center section of the dolly.
What happened in the 28 Aug 2004 Robinson R44 accident near Wildwood, NJ?
A pilot aborted a nighttime landing on a dolly after feeling instability, but the helicopter lurched forward and spun. The subsequent hard touchdown spread the landing skids. Inspection revealed the left skid became stuck under the dolly's metal framework.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 2004 Robinson R44 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Aug 2004 involved a Robinson R44, registration N315SG, at Wildwood, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while conducting a nighttime landing to a dolly, which resulted in a stuck skid, and subsequent hard landing. A factor was the nighttime conditions.
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