# NTSB LAX90LA074: Robinson R22, N2258R, Ramona, CA, January 21, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 21, 1990, 11:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Ramona, CA
- Coordinates: 33.070388, -116.830215 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0704&lon=-116.8302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA074

## Probable cause

THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A TAILWIND WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH, BUT DELAYED THE GO-AROUND. DURING THE GO-AROUND THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND ENTERED A DESCENT (SETTLING WITH POWER).

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED UNFAVORABLE WINDS WHILE ON A LOCAL SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHT. HE ELECTED TO LAND AT A FRIEND'S HELIPAD. AT THE TIME HE INITIATED HIS FINAL APPROACH THE WINDS WERE FROM THE NORTH. DURING THE FINAL APPROACH THE WINDS SHIFTED 180 DEGREES. THE PLT DELAYED THE GO-AROUND. DURING THE GO-AROUND HE INADVERTENTLY ENTERED INTO A SETTLING WITH POWER CONDITION WHICH HE COULD NOT RECOVER. HE STATED THAT THE HELICOPTER DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2258R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2258R-2013-06-13), registration cancelled 2013-06-13, S/N 0499, built 1985 (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: 499
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Diciero, Mark Et Al
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: SEE, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Destination: SEE
- Airport: Pvt Helipad

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 559 total, 450 in this make and model, 537 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 100 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 19900121000779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900121000779A), Jan 21, 1990: Robsin R22ALPHA, Ramona, CA, Substantial damage. Wind shift while approaching private helo pad. Tried to turn into wind but began settling with power. Hit ground.

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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