# NTSB LAX89LA251: Robinson R22, N8477B, Scottsdale, AZ, August 10, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 10, 1989, 11:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Scottsdale, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.609004, -111.890853 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6090&lon=-111.8909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 15, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26456
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26456/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA251

## Probable cause

IMPROPERLY USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
- Roll over, other

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS ON HIS SECOND SUPERVISED SOLO FLIGHT. AS HE WAS BEGINNING HIS SECOND TAKEOFF, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER. DURING THE OCCURRENCE, THE RIGHT SKID CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPER ROLLED-OVER ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. A POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED CONTINUITY OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM; NO PRE-ACCIDENT ABNORMALITIES WERE OBSERVED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8477B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8477B-1991-01-26), registration cancelled 1991-01-26, S/N 0394, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0394
- Airframe hours: 2818
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arizona Wing And Rotor
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, August 4, 1989, 20 hours before
- Departed: SDL
- Destination: SDL
- Airport: SDL, Scottsdale Muni

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 34 total, 34 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SDL

## 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 19890810028629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890810028629A), Aug 10, 1989: Robsin R22ALPHA, Scottsdale, AZ, Substantial damage. Student lost control of helicopter on liftoff from pad. Touched a skid and rolled over.

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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