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WPR23LA170

2023-04-28 · Van Nuys, California, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport KVNY

Current FAA registration · N549TS

Make / Model
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 II
Year of manufacture
2006 · 17 years old at event
Engine
LYCOMING IO-540 SER (300 hp)
Seats / Engines
4 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20060208
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A6FB15

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the helicopter, which resulted in a hard landing.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that while picking up to reposition, the helicopter initiated a roll to the left. While attempting to recover, the helicopter impacted the ground and the left skid collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Not attained/maintained
  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained
  • — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2023_WPR23LA170.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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