# NTSB LAX88LA214: Robinson R22, N2634N, Bakersfield, CA, June 6, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1988, 18:45 local (Jun 6, 1988, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Bakersfield, CA
- Coordinates: 35.539009, -118.910064 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5390&lon=-118.9101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26026
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA214
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26026/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA214

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLT, THE CFI INSTRUCTED THE STUDENT TO FLY ABOVE THE POWER LINE POLES AT ALL TIMES. WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT THE INSTRUCTOR WAS LOOKING AWAY WHEN THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES. THE INSTRUCTOR TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND WAS ABLE TO FLY TO THE ARPT 5 MILES AWAY AND LAND WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2634N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2634N-2013-04-26), registration cancelled 2013-04-26, S/N 0790, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- 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: 0790
- Airframe hours: 240
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Rush, Marvin V.
- Registered owner: Rush, Marvin V.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PVT, PORTERVILLE, CA
- Destination: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,715 total, 1,475 in this make and model, 1,585 as pilot in command, 202 in the last 90 days, 79 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19880605053439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880605053439A), Jun 5, 1988: Robsin R22BETA, Bakersfield, CA, Substantial damage. Student pilot flew into powerlines.CFI failed to maintain surveillance. Was able to return to base.

## Other investigations on N2634N (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 LAX92LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA087), Jan 11, 1992: Robinson R22B (N2634N), Lake Hughes, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM WHILE MANEUVERING AND HIS MISJUDGEMENT OF THE LANDING FLARE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

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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