Aviation International Rotors CH-54A accident near Los Olivos, California, July 8, 2007
On July 8, 2007 at about 11:08 pm local time, a Aviation International Rotors CH-54A (helicopter), registered N44094, was substantially damaged in an accident near Los Olivos, California. It was a firefighting flight under external-load helicopter rules (Part 133). 2 people had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The company mechanic's inadequately performed maintenance and inspection, which resulted in a flight control malfunction and loss of control during takeoff.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- July 8, 2007 · about 11:08 pm local time
- Place
- Los Olivos, California
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 2 people had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Aviation International Rotors CH-54A
- Registration
- N44094 · no longer on the register · serial 67-18421
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Firefighting flight · external-load helicopter rules (Part 133)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot was preparing to takeoff in furtherance of a contract firefighting flight for the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The helicopter was on the ground with its engines at operational power, when a mechanical malfunction occurred. The pilot was unable to maintain roll control, and the helicopter initiated an uncommanded slow rollover onto its side. The helicopter was operated and maintained by its owner pursuant to a specific maintenance program. A component of this program involved examining each main rotor servo mount pin for rust and corrosion, and performance of dimensional checks prior to reinstallation of the inspected components. The company mechanic reported that he completed the inspection and found no faults. The records reflect that the components were reassembled and installed on the helicopter that was then returned to service. The accident occurred about 8 operational hours and 2 days following the reported maintenance inspection. During the accident investigation, components that secured one of the three main rotor blade pitch change servo units to the helicopter were found a few yards away from the main wreckage. The components consisted of a nut, bolt, pin, and plate. The components had secured one of the servo units to the helicopter transmission on one end and the helicopter swash plate on the other end. Separation of these components from the helicopter resulted in separation of the servo unit, and consequently resulted in a loss of main rotor blade pitch control. Upon the subsequent visual examination of components, evidence of severe wear and corrosion was detected inside of the nut holding down the retainer mounting strap, which indicates that this area had not been inspected for some time. Once the main rotor servo cylinder and transmission attaching lug separated, the rotor system would travel to the full pitch position, thereby resulting in the helicopter experiencing an uncommanded lift and roll to the right.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: airline transport pilot
- Ratings: multi-engine land; single-engine land; instrument: airplane; instrument: helicopter; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 13,900 hours in all; 2,000 in this make and model; 59 in the last 90 days; 41 in the last 30 days; 9,800 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: May 1, 2007
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: minor injuries
Co-pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 850 hours in all; 200 in this make and model; 45 in the last 90 days; 32 in the last 30 days; 650 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: September 1, 2006
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 8,465 hours
- Last inspection: approved inspection programme, July 1, 2007; 8 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 38,000 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney JTFD 12A 4A (turboshaft); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: NONE Los Olivos CA at 11:08 pm
- Destination: NONE Los Olivos CA
- A second pilot was aboard
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 090° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 82°F (28°C), dew point 0°F (-18°C)
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Other NTSB records under N44094 the same tail number, which may have belonged to a different aircraft at the time
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.