# NTSB LAX05CA291: Robinson R22, N8348T, Santa Clarita, CA, September 8, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 8, 2005, 11:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Santa Clarita, CA
- Coordinates: 34.205833, -118.48722
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2058&lon=-118.4872&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Admnistration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62451
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX05CA291
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62451/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA291

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper use of the collective control while attempting to free the right skid, which induced a dynamic rollover.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Roll over, hover - in ground effect
  - terrain condition - ground
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - dynamic rollover - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The helicopter rolled over while hover taxiing into position for a takeoff.  The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in a dry river bed.  Following a landing, the pilot was repositioning the helicopter to the right when the right skid contacted wet sand and dug in.  The helicopter began tipping to the right and the pilot responded by applying left cyclic.  The pilot told Federal Aviation Administration inspectors that he then made the mistake of increasing the collective in an attempt to clear the obstruction.  The helicopter rolled over to the right and sustained substantial damage.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).  Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case.  For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8348T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8348T-2012-10-12), registration cancelled 2012-10-12, S/N 2680, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2680
- Engines: Lycoming O-360 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Orbic Helicopters
- Registered owner: Project 80 USA Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: VNY, Van Nuys, CA
- Airport: KVNY, Van Nuys Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2; flight hours: 1,350 total, 300 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.94 inHg
- Observed at: KVNY

## 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 20050908020939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050908020939A), Sep 8, 2005: Robsin R22BETA, Piru, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot stated that he had been practicing takeoffs and landings in the Piru practice area on the river bed when the accident occurred. He stated that…

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.

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