# NTSB LAX90DVA11: Bob Sandlin BOB'S Executive, N8153R, Sanger, CA, September 3, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 3, 1990, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Sanger, CA
- Coordinates: 36.790466, -119.440879 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7905&lon=-119.4409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26565
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVA11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26565/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVA11

## Probable cause

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A HOVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THIS NON-REGISTERED EXPERIMENTAL HELICOPTER LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A HOVER. THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED UP, ROLLED LEFT, AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE PILOT REPORTEDLY STATED HE LOST CONTROL DUE TO 'PILOT ERROR' BUT COULD NOT EXPLAIN HOW. HE REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 150 HOURS WITH ABOUT 48 HOURS IN MAKE AND MODEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8153R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8153R-1997-03-28), registration cancelled 1997-03-28, S/N RS32146 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOB SANDLIN BOB'S EXECUTIVE (BOB'S EXEC)
- Registry model: [Sandlin Bob BOBS EXEC](https://openairdocs.org/model/sandlin-bob-bobs-exec) (registry code 13017KA) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: RS32146
- Airframe hours: 40
- Engines: Rotorway RW153 152 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bob Sandun

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 150 total, 48 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FAT, 4 nm away

## 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 19900903037899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900903037899A), Sep 3, 1990: Amtr ROTORWAYEXEC, Sanger, CA, Substantial damage. Lost control during practice hover. Pitched up,rolled left,hit ground. Collapsed left skid and rolled on left side.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.