On July 28, 2006, a Robinson R44 (registration N74780) operated by Donald R. Schwartz was involved in an aviation accident near Flagstaff, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning decision to take off under a low ceiling into an area of mountainous terrain that resulted in an encounter with lowering clouds and forced the pilot to land in unfavorable terrain. 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 helicopter rolled onto its right side during an emergency landing after the pilot encountered lowering overcast clouds and performed an autorotation from about 100 feet above ground level.
Incident Overview
The helicopter collided with trees and rolled over during an emergency landing. The pilot encountered a lowering layer of overcast clouds while flying approximately 9 nautical miles south of the departure airport and was unable to maintain level flight. He performed an autorotation into a clearing from an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level (AGL).
Landing and Rollover
During the landing, the helicopter touched down on a slight incline. The tips of the rotor blades struck the ground and a tree, causing the helicopter to roll over onto its right side.
Weather Conditions
The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at the departure airport reported that the sky condition at the time of takeoff was 800 feet overcast. The airport is surrounded by mountainous terrain.
What happened in the 28 Jul 2006 Robinson R44 accident near Flagstaff, AZ?
A helicopter rolled onto its right side during an emergency landing after the pilot encountered lowering overcast clouds and performed an autorotation from about 100 feet above ground level.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jul 2006 involved a Robinson R44, registration N74780, operated by Donald R. Schwartz, at Flagstaff, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning decision to take off under a low ceiling into an area of mountainous terrain that resulted in an encounter with lowering clouds and forced the pilot to land in unfavorable terrain.
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