# NTSB LAX91LA411: Robinson R-22B, N8069Q, Rio Vista, CA, September 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 27, 1991, 15:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Rio Vista, CA
- Coordinates: 38.179561, -121.729095 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1796&lon=-121.7291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27373
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA411
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27373/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA411

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## 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)
- Roll over, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, THE STUDENT WAS ON HIS FIRST SOLO FLIGHT.  HE SAID THAT ON ATTEMPTING TO 'PICK-UP' THE HELICOPTER, THE STUDENT PILOT DID NOT 'ZERO' THE CONTROLS DURING THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF TO A HOVER.  THE HELICOPTER REPORTEDLY SPUN TO THE RIGHT, A SKID CONTACTED THE GROUND, AND THE HELICOPTER ENTERED DYNAMIC ROLL OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8069Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8069Q-1992-04-16), registration cancelled 1992-04-16, S/N 1284 (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)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1284
- Airframe hours: 1350
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Daryl Pridmore
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 16, 1991, 50 hours before
- Flight plan: Company VFR
- Airport: 088, Rio Vista Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 33 total, 33 in this make and model, 33 in the last 90 days, 31 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F

## 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 19910927043719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910927043719A), Sep 27, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Rio Vista, CA, Destroyed. First solo picked up to a hover but failed to zero controls. Spun twice. Skid hit ground. Helicopter rolled over.

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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