# NTSB LAX91LA146: Robinson R22HP, N9068T, Camarillo, CA, April 3, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1991, 10:39 local (18:39 UTC)
- Place: Camarillo, CA
- Coordinates: 34.229236, -119.070083 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2292&lon=-119.0701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27148
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27148/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA146

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND APPLY PROPER REMEDIAL ACTION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE IMPROPER SELECTION OF THE TOUCHDOWN POINT AND THE DISREGARDING OF COMPANY PROCEDURES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - abrupt, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
- Roll over, landing

## Analysis

THE NON-CERTIFICATED STUDENT PILOT WAS TERMINATING AN AUTHORIZED SOLO HELICOPTER FLIGHT AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND ON A SMALL CEMENT PAD.  THIS LANDING SITE WAS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE BY STUDENT PILOTS.  THE STUDENT'S INSTRUCTOR ATTEMPTED TO SIGNAL AND MOTION THE STUDENT TO LAND ON A NEARBY RAMP AREA.  IN THE LANDING ATTEMPT, THE REAR PORTION OF THE HELICOPTER SKID TUBES WERE HANGING OVER THE EDGE OF THE PAD AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO TIP TO THE REAR.  THE PILOT APPLIED ABRUPT UP COLLECTIVE PITCH AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN.  THE TAIL CONTACTED THE GROUND DESTROYING THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES AND STABILIZER.  THE HELICOPTER THEN ROLLED ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE.  THE PILOT WAS NOT INJURED.  THE INSTRUCTOR HAD PREVIOUSLY ADVISED THE STUDENT NOT TO USE THE CEMENT LANDING PAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9068T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9068T-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 0173, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22HP
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 173
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Advanced Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: CMA, Camarillo

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 38 total, 38 in this make and model, 3 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19910403008309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910403008309A), Apr 3, 1991: Robsin R22, Camarillo, CA, Substantial damage. Student on first solo tried to land on raised concrete pad contrary to instructions. Tipped,panicked. Spun. Rolled.

## Other investigations on N9068T (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX82FUA16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FUA16), Oct 9, 1981: Robinson R22 (N9068T), Long Beach, CA, substantial damage

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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