# NTSB LAX90LA119: Robinson R22, N8079Q, Paso Robles, CA, March 16, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 16, 1990, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Paso Robles, CA
- Coordinates: 35.610885, -120.759933 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6109&lon=-120.7599&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): 26756
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA119
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26756/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA119

## Probable cause

THE DUAL STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN PROPER ROTOR/ENGINE POWER AND TO RELINQUISH THE THROTTLE CONTROL WHEN THE CFI ATTEMPTED TO REDUCE THE POWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - control interference - inadvertent, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - abrupt, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON THE DOWNWIND LEG THE CFI OBSERVED THAT THE ENGINE AND ROTOR RPM EXCEEDED THE NORMAL OPERATING PARAMETERS. THE CFI ATTEMPTED TO ROLL-OFF THE THROTTLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO BECAUSE THE DUAL STUDENT HAD GRIPPED THE THROTTLE CONTROL. THE CFI THEN FORCEFULLY ROLLED-OFF THE THROTTLE AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ROLL-ON THE THROTTLE BUT THIS ACTION CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SUSTAIN A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE CFI IMMEDIATELY EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION, BUT THE RPM WAS TOO SLOW TO PREVENT A HARD LANDING. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM ASSY ON LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8079Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8079Q-1991-08-13), registration cancelled 1991-08-13, S/N 1324 (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)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1324
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Kyodo Flight School Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 749 total, 348 in this make and model, 438 as pilot in command, 157 in the last 90 days, 84 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRB

## 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 19900316004749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900316004749A), Mar 16, 1990: Robsin R22BETA, Paso Robles, CA, Substantial damage. RPM too high on downwind,had to overpower students grip on throttle to cut power engine quit. Rotor RPM decayed.

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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