Pilot Debrief

FLIGHTstar 2 near Oakdale, CA — 2020-04-21

Final reportWPR20CA127
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Date
2020-04-21
Location
Oakdale, CA, USA
Airport
O27
Aircraft
FLIGHTstar 2
Registration
UNREG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s decision to take off through a large helicopter’s rotor wash, which resulted in his inability to gain altitude during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot reported that the airplane departed the runway and that, during the initial climb, it could not gain altitude. He attempted to return to the runway, but the airplane landed hard in an orchard. The pilot later reported that, before takeoff, a large helicopter was hovering close to the runway and that he believed the his airplane "entered…[the helicopter's] rotor wash and lost lift." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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