# NTSB LAX90LA013: Robinson R22A, N84817, Simi Valley, CA, October 26, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 26, 1989, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Simi Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.299301, -118.720352 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2993&lon=-118.7204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26671
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26671/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA013

## Probable cause

STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, hover

## Analysis

ON A SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE 44.6-HOUR STUDENT PILOT INTENDED TO HOVER THE HELICOPTER CLOSE TO THE GROUND, WHILE CIRCLING AROUND A POINT. AS HE CIRCLED ABOUT THE POINT, A SKID CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84817](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N84817-2013-06-07), registration cancelled 2013-06-07, S/N 0396, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22A
- 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: 396
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Catalina Helicopters, Inc.
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA
- Destination: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 45 total, 45 in this make and model, 6 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19891026043669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891026043669A), Oct 26, 1989: Robsin R22ALPHA, Simi Valley, CA, Substantial damage. Student allowed helicopter to touch a skid on ground while drifting sideways during aerial taxi. Caused rollover.

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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