# NTSB LAX86LA135: Robinson R-22, N9072Z, El Toro, CA, March 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 5, 1986, 13:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: El Toro, CA
- Coordinates: 33.632409, -117.68299 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6324&lon=-117.6830&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25087
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25087/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA135

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - planned approach - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - adequate rotor rpm - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - performance data - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

A HELICOPTER CRASHED INTO A MOUNTAIN SLOPE EAST OF EL TORO, CA WHILE ON A BUSINESS FLT. WHILE THE ACFT APPROACHED THE MOUNTAIN PEAK THE PLT EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DESCENT AND ABORTED THE LANDING. DURING THE GO-AROUND, AT ADECREASED MAIN ROTOR RPM, THE ACFT CONTINUED TO SETTLE AND THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES OR FAILURES WITH THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9072Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0217
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cine Exec Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 821 total, 76 in this make and model, 117 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860305005389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860305005389A), Mar 5, 1986: Robsin R22, El Toro, CA, Substantial damage. Could not slow descent, rotor speed had decayed. Tried to turn towards lower terrain, hit ground, rolled onto side.

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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