Accident Details
On August 21, 2009, about 1500 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R44, registration N19DV, collided with terrain near Tonopah, Nevada. Dooley Aviation, Inc., was operating the helicopter under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The certificated private pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Tonopah at approximately 1400. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Witness Statements
One passenger, who had flown with the pilot during previous flights that day, reported that after landing at Tonopah, the fuel tanks were topped off, and the other passenger was picked up. He noted a slower takeoff compared to earlier flights and estimated they were airborne for about an hour before the accident. He stated that after climbing over a hill and making a low banking turn while maneuvering to get behind a car in an off-road rally race, he observed a steep cliff-like ridge ahead. They cleared the ridge by about 20 feet, after which the engine sound changed pitch. The helicopter banked right and slowed. He heard the pilot say "no" several times and "come on," and heard a horn sounding before the collision.
A ground witness observed the helicopter flying over the race course, saw it bank and then descend as if beginning a landing. She did not observe the impact but noticed a dust cloud.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. The helicopter appeared to have struck the terrain on the heel of the right skid, then bounced and slid, separating both skids. The underside of the nose and fuselage made contact, and the helicopter turned left and rolled onto its right side. The inspector estimated the operating weight at 2,300 pounds, below the maximum certified gross weight of 2,500 pounds. Recovery personnel reported fuel in each tank, with fuel dripping from the left tank after loading onto a trailer. The fuel selector appeared to be in the on position.
Weather and Performance
The nearest official weather reporting station was Tonopah (KTPH). An aviation routine weather report issued at 1456 PDT indicated winds from 150 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 17 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 35°C (95°F), dew point -3°C (27°F), and altimeter 30.11 inches of mercury. The accident site elevation was approximately 6,600 feet mean sea level, with a density altitude of about 10,300 feet.
Investigators from the Safety Board and Robinson Helicopters examined the wreckage and observed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The Robinson investigator provided performance charts, which indicated that at the weather parameters for this flight, the out-of-ground-effect (OGE) and in-ground-effect (IGE) capabilities of the helicopter were exceeded.