SERS · Robinson R44 · 2005-05-28 · Lucerne Valley, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX05FA189
Event ID
20050601X00698
Type
Accident
Date
2005-05-28
Location
Lucerne Valley, CA, USA
Coordinates
34.629444, -116.683891
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
3
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
Robinson
Model
R44
Registration
N7015Q
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and directional control while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing factors in the accident were the helicopter's gross weight in excess of the maximum hover out of ground effect limit, a high density altitude, and the pilot's lack of overall experience with regard to low rpm and settling-with-power recovery techniques.