BYRON, CA, USA
N8320A
ROBINSON R-22B
THE PRACTICE AUTOROTATION WAS MADE TO WHAT APPEARED, TO THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND, TO BE A SUITABLE LANDING SITE, BUT THE GROUND UNDERNEATH WAS SOFT AND WET. THE AIRCRAFT SKIDS SANK INTO THE SOFT GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED FORWARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS SIDE. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.
On March 27, 1995, at 1700 hours Pacific standard time, a Robinson R-22B helicopter, N8320A, landed in soft soil and rolled over during a local instructional flight at Byron, California. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the two pilots were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight originated at Concord, California, at 1640. Information from the operator, Helicopter Adventures, Inc., of Concord, indicated that the accident occurred when the aircraft skids sank in soft ground during a practice autorotation. The aircraft pitched forward until the blades struck the ground. The helicopter then rolled over on its right side. The pilot stated in his report that the area appeared suitable for touchdown; however, a dry crust was on the surface and the ground beneath was soft and wet. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions.
the unsuitable terrain selected by the pilots.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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