# NTSB LAX91FA037: Robinson R22Beta, N80783, Simi Valley, CA, November 24, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1990, 16:03 local (Nov 24, 1990, 00:03 UTC)
- Place: Simi Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.299884, -118.720695 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2999&lon=-118.7207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 2, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA037

## Probable cause

A DIVERGENCE OF THE MAIN ROTOR FROM ITS NORMAL PLANE OF ROTATION FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, WHICH RESULTED IN ROTOR CONTACT TO THE TAILBOOM AND COCKPIT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - rotor system,main rotor - diverged
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - misc rotorcraft,main rotor/tail boom contact - blade strike
  - fuselage,cabin - blade strike (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE CFI STATED THE STUDENT WAS A 'BETTER THAN AVERAGE' PILOT. THE STUDENT HAD ACCUMULATED 37 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO PRACTICE TAKEOFFS, APPROACH TO LANDINGS, AND TRAFFIC PATTERNS. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE LOCAL PRACTICE AREA. THERE WERE NO EYE WITNESSES TO THE CRASH. THE WRECKAGE WAS PARTIALLY CONSUMED BY FIRE, AND THE UPPER LEFT DOOR FRAME WAS FOUND SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE AND EXHIBITED BLACK PAINT TRANSFER FROM BEING STRUCK BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGED FROM ITS NORMAL PLANE OF ROTATION AND SEVERED THE TAILBOOM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80783](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80783-2018-05-31), registration cancelled 2018-05-31, S/N 1319, built 1990 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22Beta
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1319
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Orbic Helicopter Inc.
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 160 total, 37 in this make and model, 65 as pilot in command, 115 in the last 90 days, 41 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 15 nm away

## 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 19901123051809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901123051809A), Nov 23, 1990: Robsin R22BETA, Simi Valley, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Student crashed on hillside in practice area. No witnesses. Total helicopter solo time 8.9 hrs,no mechanical defects

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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