# NTSB LAX92LA109: 85 Manista KB-2, N169RM, Rosamond, CA, February 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 4, 1992, 14:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Rosamond, CA
- Coordinates: 34.869705, -118.339759 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8697&lon=-118.3398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 9, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27551
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA109
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27551/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA109

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MAIN ROTOR RPM ADEQUATE TO AVOID FLAPPING. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE RELATED TO THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF AN EXCESSIVELY ABRUPT MANEUVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - maneuver - abrupt, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - adequate rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flight control,rudder - separation
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT THE PILOT WAS OBSERVED CIRCLING OVER A RESIDENTIAL AREA AT A LOW ALTITUDE. THE PILOT INITIATED AN ABRUPT TURNING MANEUVER WHILE CHANGING THE EXPERIMENTAL GYROPLANE'S PITCH ATTITUDE. ROTOR RPM DECREASED AND THE BLADES BEGAN EXCESSIVELY FLAPPING. THE BLADES COLLIDED WITH AND SEVERED THE RUDDER AND PROPELLER. THEREAFTER, THE GYROPLANE NOSED DOWN AND DESCENDED (UNCONTROLLED) INTO A CITY STREET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N169RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N169RM-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N L169844, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: 85 MANISTA KB-2
- Registry model: [Manista Robert R JR KB-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/manista-robert-r-jr-kb-2) (registry code 13027D8) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Mcculloch 4318A&E/0-100](https://openairdocs.org/engine/mcculloch-4318a-e-0-100) (registry code 43101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: L169844
- Airframe hours: 173
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 4318A&E/0-100 70 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Calvin C. Peterson
- Registered owner: Robert R. Manista, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,500 total, 38 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19920204001819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920204001819A), Feb 4, 1992: Amtr KB2, Rosamond, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Made steep bank reversal unloading rotor and causing rotor strike severing rudder and prop. Fell in pieces.

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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