# NTSB LAX88FA108: Robinson R-22B, N2445Q, Westlake Vlg, CA, February 12, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 12, 1988, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Westlake Vlg, CA
- Coordinates: 34.190299, -118.810348 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1903&lon=-118.8103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25809
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25809/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA108

## Probable cause

PILOT'S REMEDIAL ACTOIN AFTER ENCOUNTERING A PITCH UP WASS TOO ABRUPT AND THE IMPROPER USE OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - updraft (cause)
  - cyclic - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE CROSSING OVER A RIDGE LINE THE PLT REPTD THAT THE HELICOPTER PITCHED UP, THEN DOWN, FOLLOWED BY A VIOLENT RIGHT TURN. THE PLT WAS ABLE TO ARREST THE TURN BUT THE HELICOPTER WAS TOO LOW TO THE DOWNWARD SLOPING RIDGE AND A CRASH WAS IMMINENT. THE PLT EXECUTED A LEFT PEDAL TURN TO COLLIDE WITH THE TERRAIN TO THE LEFT WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE HELICOPTER FROM ROLLING DOWNHILL. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS AND/OR FAILURES IN THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2445Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2445Q-2013-06-24), registration cancelled 2013-06-24, S/N 0575 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22B
- 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: 575
- Airframe hours: 804
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-82C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rolling Hills Aviation
- Registered owner: Rolling Hills Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 12, 1988, 1 hours before
- Departed: TOA, TORRANCE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 513 total, 99 in this make and model, 346 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19880212002399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880212002399A), Feb 12, 1988: Robsin R22BETA, Westlake Villag, CA, Substantial damage. Crashed into side of a ridge. Observed in right turns prior to crash.

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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