LAX93LA083

Factual narrative

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, WHO IS ALSO THE OWNER OF THE HELICOPTER, REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT HAD LIFTED OFF AND ACHIEVED A FORWARD AIRSPEED OF ABOUT 40 KNOTS AT 10 FEET AGL WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE OIL AND WATER TEMPERATURE INDICATORS WERE INCREASING RAPIDLY. HE TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND TURNED TO LAND IN THE ALFALFA FIELD USED FOR TAKEOFF AND THE COCKPIT SUDDENLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE INSTRUCTOR SAID HE LANDED THE HELICOPTER WITH SOME FORWARD MOMENTUM AND IT ROLLED OVER AFTER THE SKIDS DUG INTO THE GROUND. THE INSTRUCTOR AND HIS STUDENT ESCAPED THROUGH THE COCKPIT WINDSHIELD AS THE HELICOPTER ERUPTED INTO FLAMES, WHICH TOTALLY CONSUMED THE HELICOPTER. AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE BURNED REMAINS AND REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, INCLUDING ALL HOSES AND ACCESSORY FITTINGS, WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12