# NTSB LAX83LA311: Robinson R22, N9065L, Buckman Springs, CA, June 27, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1983, 09:05 local (16:05 UTC)
- Place: Buckman Springs, CA
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23770
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA311
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23770/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA311

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance - exceeded (cause)
  - performance data - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF LIFT AND DESCENDED INTO A LAKE AFTER TAKEOFF. THE ACFT WAS ABOUT 29 LBS BELOW MAX GROSS WEIGHT AND THE FIELD ELEVATION FOR TAKEOFF WAS 4200 FT; ALSO THE CALCULATED HOVER CEILING OUT OF GROUND EFFECT. THE PLT HAD CLIMBED TO 4300 FT AND TURNED DOWNWIND IN A 10-15 KT WIND AND THE PLT THINKS HE 'MAY HAVE LOST TRANSITIONAL LIFT.' INVESTIGATION FAILED TO REVEAL ANY PRE-IMPACT FAILURE OF THE ACFT OR ENG THAT COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTEDTO THIS ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9065L (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0149
- Airframe hours: 1332
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Golden State Aviation
- Registered owner: Wallace H. Freeman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 16, 1983, 21 hours before
- Destination: L78, JACUMBA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,133 total, 315 in this make and model, 1,893 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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