# NTSB LAX93LA058: Robinson R-22 Beta, N80142, Fresno, CA, December 3, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 2, 1992, 17:09 local (Dec 3, 1992, 01:09 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.750736, -119.669052 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7507&lon=-119.6691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27877
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA058
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27877/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA058

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE SEPARATION OF THE FUEL CAP, TAIL ROTOR BLADE BALANCE WEIGHT, TAIL ROTOR GEAR BOX, AND THE VERTICAL FIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - fuel system,cap - separation (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor system,tail rotor blade balance weights - separation (contributing factor)
  - rotor system,tail rotor blade balance weights - overload
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - separation (contributing factor)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - overload
  - vertical stabilizer attachment - separation (contributing factor)
  - vertical stabilizer attachment - overload
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER TAIL ROTOR GEAR BOX AND THE VERTICAL FIN SEPARATED DURING CRUISE FLIGHT.  THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO LAND THE HELICOPTER IN A FLOOD BASIN.  THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP CAME OFF THE FUEL TANK AND STRUCK A TAIL ROTOR BLADE.  THE TAIL ROTOR BLADE BALANCE WEIGHT SEPARATED AS DID THE ENTIRE VERTICAL FIN.  THE TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE HELICOPTER BY ITS PITCH CHANGE CONNECTING ROD. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE SEPARATED PARTS DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREEXISTING CRACKING OR FATIGUE.  THE POROSITY LEVEL OF THE VERTICAL FIN BULKHEAD CASTING WAS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80142](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80142), registered now, S/N 0992, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22 BETA
- 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: 0992
- Airframe hours: 2167
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Henry Broadcasting Co.
- Registered owner: Henry Broadcasting Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 9, 1992

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 5,130 total, 2,667 in this make and model, 156 in the last 90 days, 52 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °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 19921202048709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921202048709A), Dec 2, 1992: Robsin R22BETA, Fresno, CA, Substantial damage. Lost tail rotor assembly inflight. Made hard auto landing. Fuel filler cap missing. Struck tail fin and tail rotor.

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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