# NTSB LAX06CA060: Robinson R22 Beta, N177LH, Irwindale, CA, December 19, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 18, 2005, 17:00 local (Dec 19, 2005, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Irwindale, CA
- Coordinates: 34.099998, -117.916664
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1000&lon=-117.9167&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 28, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62976
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX06CA060
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62976/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA060

## Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate main rotor rpm.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent from the takeoff initial climb and collided with the ground.  The pilot was practicing landings, climbs, descents, and approaches over an area where he could safely land.  He landed the helicopter, then took off, and made a left downwind turn.  The pilot said that during the turn he was trying to avoid some trees and had climbed too fast without much forward airspeed when the helicopter started an uncontrolled descent.  During the descent he heard the low main rotor rpm horn.  He tried to enter an autorotation but he was too close to the ground, and the helicopter impacted the terrain.

## Factual narrative

On December 18, 2005, about 1700 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N177LH, collided with terrain during takeoff in a rocky field in the vicinity of Irwindale, California.  Universal Air Academy operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and had rented it to the private pilot.  The pilot was not injured and the helicopter was destroyed.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.  The personal flight originated at El Monte Airport, El Monte, California, about 1600.

In a written statement the pilot said that he was practicing landings, climbs, descents, and approaches over an area where he could safely land.  He landed the helicopter, then took off to the south, and made a left downwind turn.  During the takeoff and left downwind turn he said he climbed too fast without much forward airspeed and was trying to avoid some trees when the helicopter started an uncontrolled descent.  During the descent he heard the rpm horn.  He tried to enter an autorotation but he was too close to the ground, and the helicopter impacted the terrain.  He extracted himself out of the wreckage and hiked out of the area to get help and report the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N177LH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N177LH-2007-02-13), registration cancelled 2007-02-13, S/N 1177, built 1989 (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 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1177
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Universal Air Academy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: KELM, El Monte, CA
- Airport: KELM, El Monte Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; medical: class 2; flight hours: 106 total, 106 in this make and model, 60 in the last 90 days, 43 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 20051218029289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051218029289A), Dec 18, 2005: Robsin R22BETA, Irwindale, CA, Destroyed. (-23) On departing from a confined area, the pilot failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles (trees). The pilot attempted to climb and turn left,…

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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