# NTSB LAX87LA012: Robinson R-22, N2270C, Dolan Springs, AZ, October 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 7, 1986, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Dolan Springs, AZ
- Coordinates: 35.639492, -114.310653 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6395&lon=-114.3107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25452
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA012
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25452/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA012

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS CLIMBING THE HELICOPTER UP A DRY WASH AND PLANNED TO CROSS A 3000 FOOT HIGH RIDGE AT ABOUT 10 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN. AS HE APPROACHED THE RIDGE THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT ABOUT 70 DEGREES AND THE ACFT MAIN ROTOR LOST RPM. THE PASSENGER STATED THAT THE ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AND NOSED OVER LANDING IN AN UPRIGHT ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2270C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2270C-1989-01-12), registration cancelled 1989-01-12, S/N 0506 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0506
- Airframe hours: 245
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frederick G. Cleeves
- Registered owner: Helicopter Services Of Nevada
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LAS, LAS VEGAS, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,385 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 1,225 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 36 °F
- 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 19861007048399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861007048399A), Oct 7, 1986: Robsin R22BETA, Dolan Springs, AZ, Substantial damage. The helicopter lost directional control and struck a ridge. Suspect turbulence. Aircraft not on 135 certificate.

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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