# NTSB LAX91LA072: Robinson R-22B, N40231, Torrance, CA, January 11, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 11, 1991, 09:53 local (17:53 UTC)
- Place: Torrance, CA
- Coordinates: 33.800491, -118.34922 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8005&lon=-118.3492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27092
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27092/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA072

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE ROTORCRAFT'S FLIGHT CONTROLS. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE RELATED TO THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF LOW ALTITUDE MANEUVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Roll over, hover

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING HOVERING AND TURNING AROUND A POINT MANEUVERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS SOLO FLIGHT ENDORSEMENT.  WHILE HOVERING SEVERAL FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER PITCHED UP AND THE TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED THE GROUND AND BROKE.  THEREAFTER, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND IT ROLLED OVER.  THE CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT HAD LOGGED 2194 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME IN FIXED WING AIRPLANES. HE HAD 26.2 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME IN HELICOPTERS. THE PILOT'S TOTAL SOLO PIC FLIGHT TIME IN THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER, WHICH HE WAS LEARNING TO FLY, WAS 3.2 HOURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40231](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40231-2013-09-24), registration cancelled 2013-09-24, S/N 1476, built 1990 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22B
- 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: 1476'
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Rolling Hills Aviation, Inc., doing business as 2845 Airport Dr.
- Airport: TOA, Torrance

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,220 total, 26 in this make and model, 2,057 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: TOA, 1 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 19910111000409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910111000409A), Jan 11, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Torrance, CA, Substantial damage. Tail rotor strike during practice hover maneuvers. Pitched forward and aft. Spun around. Rotors hit. Self destructed

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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