# NTSB LAX06CA116: Robinson R22, N23617, El Monte, CA, February 15, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: February 15, 2006, 10:12 local (18:12 UTC)
- Place: El Monte, CA
- Coordinates: 34.085834, -118.034721
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0858&lon=-118.0347&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 30, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63236
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX06CA116
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63236/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA116

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, which resulted in the helicopter dynamically rolling over.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, hover - in ground effect
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts
  - dynamic rollover - encountered, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The helicopter rolled over and impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from the asphalt tarmac.  The pilot said he lifted the helicopter and the skids were lightly touching the surface.  He began to raise the collective and the helicopter's nose responded by becoming airborne first.  As he applied forward cyclic to level the helicopter, a strong gust of wind was encountered.  The helicopter stabilized and he continued to raise the collective.  The helicopter ascended about 3 feet above ground level (agl) and was pushed back by the wind.  The nose pitched up and the left skid contacted the ground.  The helicopter rolled backward to the left, rotating around the left skid.  The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.

## Factual narrative

The helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during an attempted takeoff from the tarmac.  The pilot configured the helicopter for departure and the skids were lightly touching the surface.  He raised the collective and the helicopter's nose responded by becoming airborne first.  As he applied forward cyclic to level the helicopter, a strong gust of wind was encountered.  The helicopter stabilized and he continued to raise the collective.  The helicopter ascended about 3 feet above ground level (agl) and was pushed back by the wind.  The nose pitched up and the left skid contacted the ground.  The helicopter rolled backward to the left, rotating around the left skid.  The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.

The winds reported by the airport's Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) about 18 minutes prior to the accident were 170 degree at 7 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N23617](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N23617-2006-08-22), registration cancelled 2006-08-22, S/N 2265, built 1993 (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 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2265
- Engines: Textron Lycoming O-320-B2C reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Universal Air Academy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: EMT, El Monte, CA
- Airport: EMT, El Monte Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2; seat: left; flight hours: 1,700 total, 920 in this make and model, 1,650 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: EMT

## 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 20060215002829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060215002829A), Feb 15, 2006: Robsin R22BETA, El Monte, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Accident occurred on asphalt tarmac at El Monte Airport at 1006 hrs local PST. Prior to flight, 20 gallons of fuel was uploaded. Pilot reports he was…

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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