# NTSB LAX91LA305: Robinson R-22-B, N730SH, San Jose, CA, July 11, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1991, 12:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 37.34069, -121.879348 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3407&lon=-121.8793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 22, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27285
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA305
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27285/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA305

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO UNLOCK THE CYCLIC TRIM AND TO MAINTAIN HIS HOVER ALTITUDE.  HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE AIRCRAFT, INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT, AND THE UNCONTROLLED DESCENT WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover
  - rotorcraft flight control system,cyclic trim - locked (cause)
  - altitude - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - descent - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION  THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO UNLOCK THE HELICOPTER'S CYCLIC TRIM CONTROL. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED OFF IT HOVERED TO THE RIGHT, DESCENDED AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AND ROLLED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N730SH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N730SH-2013-07-11), registration cancelled 2013-07-11, S/N 1730, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22-B
- 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: 1730
- Airframe hours: 271
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Hiro Takai & Fred Farnsworth
- Registered owner: Hiro Takai & Fred Farnsworth
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, July 7, 1991, 20 hours before
- Destination: Q99, SAN MARTIN, CA
- Airport: Reid Hillview

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial, student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,492 total, 20 in this make and model, 1,292 as pilot in command, 74 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RHV, 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 19910711027099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910711027099A), Jul 11, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, San Jose, CA, Substantial damage. Lifted to a hover,drifted sideways,struck ground and rolled over. Cyclic control friction set too tight.

## Other investigations on N730SH (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 LAX96LA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA277), Jul 19, 1996: Robinson R22B (N730SH), Morgan Hill, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The student's improper reaction to an engine/main rotor overspeed condition, and his failure to achieve the proper zero airspeed nose high attitude during a touchdown from an autorotation.

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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