# NTSB LAX85LA317: Robinson R-22A, N85594, Piru, CA, July 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1985, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Piru, CA
- Coordinates: 34.430107, -118.750663 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4301&lon=-118.7507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24771
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA317
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24771/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA317

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing
  - autorotation - initiated, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - sand bar (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR INSTRUCTED THE 25-HOUR STUDENT PLT TO PERFORM AN AUTOROTATION WITH A PWR RECOVERY AT 20 FT AGL. THE INSTRUCTOR BECAME AWARE TOO LATE THAT THE STUDENT WAS 'DEAD LOCKED' ON THE CONTROLS AND HE WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. A HARD LANDING RESULTED, THE RIGHT SKID SANK IN SOFT SAND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N85594](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N85594-2003-07-22), registration cancelled 2003-07-22, S/N 0473, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22A
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 473
- Airframe hours: 203
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Watson Helicopters
- Registered owner: Myron Rupprecht
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: WHP, PACOIMA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 520 total, 460 in this make and model, 400 as pilot in command, 205 in the last 90 days, 150 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19850714031329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850714031329A), Jul 14, 1985: Robsin R22, Piru, CA, Substantial damage. During autorotative approach student froze on controls with throttle locked. Rolled over in soft sand on impact.

## Other investigations on N85594 (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 LAX90LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA317), Sep 7, 1990: Robinson R22A (N85594), Beatty, NV, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN INADEQUATE CRUISE ALTITUDE AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS RELATED TO THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, RISING TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S…

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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