# NTSB LAX90LA275: Robinson R22B, N8044Z, Scottsdale, AZ, August 4, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1990, 15:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Scottsdale, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.610935, -111.890319 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6109&lon=-111.8903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26882
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA275
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26882/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA275

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER AIRCRAFT HANDLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE WHICH RESULTED IN A RATE OF DESCENT THAT COULD NOT BE ARRESTED PRIOR TO COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
  - level off - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS PRACTICING APPROACHES TO A HOVER AT A NEARBY FIELD. THE HELICOPTER WAS ON A DOWNWIND LEG ABOUT 100 FEET AGL WHEN THE PILOT REPORTEDLY INITIATED A SHARP TURN. HE SAID THE HELICOPTER ENTERED A DESCENT WHICH COULD NOT BE ARRESTED PRIOR TO THE HELICOPTER COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8044Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8044Z-1991-02-20), registration cancelled 1991-02-20, S/N 1159 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22B
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1159
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Arizona Wing And Rotor, Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: SDL
- Destination: SDL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; flight instructor, commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,570 total, 2,530 in this make and model, 2,490 as pilot in command, 410 in the last 90 days, 135 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 109 °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 19900804030339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900804030339A), Aug 4, 1990: Robsin R22BETA, Scottsdale, AZ, Substantial damage. Demostrating auto rotations. Steep low altitude turn got into settling with power. Made level hard ground impact.

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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