# NTSB LAX89LA028: Robinson R22, N2627K, Lower Lake, CA, October 30, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 30, 1988, 08:54 local (16:54 UTC)
- Place: Lower Lake, CA
- Coordinates: 38.960578, -122.640182 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9606&lon=-122.6402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26280
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26280/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA028

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, unknown
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, unknown
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A LOCAL SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN AN OPEN FIELD APRX 3 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT. IT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE CONTACTED THE GROUND AT CONSIDERABLE DOWNWARD SPEED WITH HIGH ROTOR RPM. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION. THE OPERATOR ESTIMATED THERE WAS A 600 TO 700 FT OVERCAST WITH 2 TO 3 MILES VISIBILITY AND FOG. ALSO, HE REPORTED THE STUDENT HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED TO REMAIN IN THE PATTERN TO PRACTICE LANDINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2627K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2627K-2013-07-01), registration cancelled 2013-07-01, S/N 0748, 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: 748
- Airframe hours: 634
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Resort Aviation
- Registered owner: Osaka Aviation Co, Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 23, 1988, 38 hours before
- Departed: 209
- Airport: 209, Pearce

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 54 total, 54 in this make and model, 10 as pilot in command, 54 in the last 90 days, 38 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 52 °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 19881030048519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881030048519A), Oct 30, 1988: Robsin R22BETA, Clear Lake, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Student was told to stay in pattern due to poor weather outside pattern. Left pattern, lost control and crashed.

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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