# NTSB LAX91FA159: Robinson R22B, N80028, Temecula, CA, April 5, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 5, 1991, 09:37 local (17:37 UTC)
- Place: Temecula, CA
- Location: 33.4936° N, 117.1484° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Temecula, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4936&lon=-117.1484&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26993
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA159
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26993/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA159

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SEPARATION FROM OBSTACLES (POWER LINES).

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ON AN AUTHORIZED THREE SEGMENT CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED FLYING SOUTHBOUND ALONG A HIGHWAY, 9 MILES SOUTH OF THE SECOND SEGMENT DESTINATION AIRPORT. AT 150 FEET A.G.L., THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE BOTTOM WIRE OF A THREE WIRE SET OF TRANSMISSION LINES THAT SPANNED THE HIGHWAY. THE HELICOPTER THEN FELL INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANES OF THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY STRUCK BY A MILITARY HUMVEE VEHICLE THAT WAS THE SECOND VEHICLE IN A CONVOY. BOTH THE HUMVEE AND HELICOPTER PARTS WERE INTERMIXED AND DESTROYED BY AN INTENSE POST CRASH FIRE WHEN THEY CAME TO REST AT THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER OF THE HUMVEE WAS NOT INJURED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80028](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80028-1991-08-05), registration cancelled 1991-08-05, S/N 0914 (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: 914
- Airframe hours: 2045
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-2BC 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Hiser Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Hiser Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 12, 1991, 45 hours before
- Departed: L66, CORONA, CA
- Destination: L66, CORONA, CA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 89 total, 89 in this make and model, 77 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RAL, 27 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 19910405009159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910405009159A), Apr 5, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Temecula, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck wires and crashed while following interstate 15. Army vehicle struck wreckage. Orange markers put on wires.

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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