# NTSB LAX03LA177: Robinson R22 Beta, N991RW, North Las Vegas, NV, June 1, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 1, 2003, 11:20 local (18:20 UTC) - Place: North Las Vegas, NV - Coordinates: 36.2, -115.183334 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2000&lon=-115.1833&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 29, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 57119 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX03LA177 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57119/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA177 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - object - guy wire - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - autorotation - performed - Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown - terrain condition - rough/uneven ## Analysis The helicopter collided with a wire during high reconnaissance operations for a pinnacle approach. The pilot was on his third pattern around the pinnacle when the helicopter collided with a wire that was strung from a pole to the side of a mountain. The wire wrapped around the main rotor swash plate and the pilot entered an autorotation onto a hillside. The tail rotor and boom were damaged upon touchdown. The pilot estimated his altitude was 400 feet above ground level (agl) when the collision occurred. ## Factual narrative On June 1, 2003, about 1120 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N991RW, collided with a wire while maneuvering near North Las Vegas, Nevada. Silver State Helicopters was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) about 1100. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported practicing high reconnaissance operations for a pinnacle approach. He was on his third pattern around the pinnacle when the helicopter collided with a wire that was strung from a pole to the side of a mountain. The wire wrapped around the main rotor swash plate and the pilot entered an autorotation onto a hillside. The tail rotor and boom were damaged upon touchdown. The pilot estimated his altitude was 400 feet above ground level (agl) when the collision occurred. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N991RW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N991RW-2009-10-13), registration cancelled 2009-10-13, S/N 3451, built 2003 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R22 Beta - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-series) (registry code 41575, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 3451 - Airframe hours: 14.8 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-JJA 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Silver State Helicopters - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 23, 2003, 9.8 hours before - Departed: KVGT, North Las Vegas, NV - Destination: KVGT ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; injuries: none; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review February 26, 2003; seat: right; flight hours: 86 total, 65 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 60° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg - Observed at: KLAS, 15 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20030601010579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030601010579A), Jun 1, 2003: Robsin R22BETA, Las Vegas, NV, Substantial damage. (-23) During a solo flight in the southwest practice area at las, helicopter struck guide wire coming off power line poles which wrapped around the swashplate.… ## Other investigations on N991RW (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB SEA07LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA111), Apr 21, 2007: Robinson R22 Beta (N991RW), Van Horn, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: Clearance was not maintained after landing by the instructor pilot, which resulted in an on ground collision with the helicopter standing near the refueling pumps. The aircraft standing in the… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.