CALIFORNIA CITY, CA, USA
N123MT
ENSTROM 280C
The pilot reported that the helicopter was in a hover in preparation for takeoff when a strong wind gust caused him to lose control. The helicopter subsequently rolled over. The airport manager reported that the winds at the time were from 090 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots.
On June 5, 1994, at 1300 Pacific daylight time, an Enstrom 280C helicopter, N123MT, rolled over from a hover following a loss of control by the pilot at California City, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. Neither the certificated private pilot nor his one passenger were injured. The flight was originating at the time of the mishap as a cross-country flight to the Whitman airport, Pacoima, California. In a verbal statement, the pilot reported that the helicopter was in a hover in preparation for takeoff when a strong wind gust caused him to lose control. The helicopter subsequently rolled over. The airport manager reported that the winds at the time were from 090 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. The pilot refused to complete and submit a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2.
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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