# NTSB LAX90LA203: Robinson R22, N90787, Corona, CA, May 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1990, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Corona, CA
- Location: 33.8753° N, 117.5664° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Corona, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8753&lon=-117.5664&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26827
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA203
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26827/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA203

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, FAILUE TO MAINTAIN CORRECT ROTOR RPM, AND IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - tail rotor/anti-torque control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND, HE REALIZED HIS ALTITUDE AND LANDING SPEED WERE HIGH AS WERE THE ENGINE AND ROTOR SPEEDS. HE REDUCED THE THROTTLE, THEN HE LOST CONTROL, AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN. BEFORE IMPACTING THE GROUND, HE RAISED THE COLLECTIVE CONTROL AND PULLED THE CYCLIC STICK, BUT FAILED TO PUSH THE RIGHT PEDAL TO STOP THE SPINNING ACTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90787](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90787-1990-08-06), registration cancelled 1990-08-06, S/N 0292 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0292
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hiser Helicopter Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: L66, CORONA, CA
- Airport: L66, Corona, runway 27, 3,200 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 21 total, 21 in this make and model, 21 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Temperature: 81 °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 19900530017869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900530017869A), May 30, 1990: Robsin R22, Corona, CA, Substantial damage. Too high and fast for landing. Reduced throttle abruptly, lost control landing hard in right turning motion.

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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