# NTSB LAX93LA203: Robinson R-22, N80156, Davis, CA, May 5, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 5, 1993, 16:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Davis, CA
- Location: 38.5561° N, 121.7378° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Davis, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5561&lon=-121.7378&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27968
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA203
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27968/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA203

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW A SAFETY TIP IN THE PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK TO NEVER MAKE A DOWNWIND TAKEOFF, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM, AND HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROLS. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TAILWIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED FROM THE CONFINED AREA LANDING ZONE DOWNWIND. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB THE HELICOPTER LOST TRANSLATIONAL LIFT. THE PILOT ADDED MORE COLLECTIVE AND INCREASED THE THROTTLE TO MAXIMUM RPM, BUT WITHOUT SUCCESS, AND THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN TO DECAY. THE HELICOPTER'S LEFT SKID CONTACTED THE TOMATO BED WHILE MOVING FORWARD AND IN A RIGHT YAWING TURN, AND THE HELICPTER ROLLED OVER. THE R-22 PILOT'S OPERATING HANBOOK STATES 'NEVER MAKE TAKE-OFFS OR LANDINGS DOWNWIND...THE RESULTING LOSS OF TRANSLATIONAL LIFT CAN CAUSE THE AIRCRAFT TO SETTLE INTO GROUND OBSTACLES.' IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED SAFETY NOTICE RSN-4 WHICH STATES, IN PART, 'POWER IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO RPM. IF YOU RAISE THE COLLECTIVE TO STOP THE SHIP FROM SETTLING, YOU WILL PULL THE RPM DOWN EVEN LOWER AND SETTLE EVEN FASTER.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80156](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80156), registered now, S/N 0993, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- 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: 0993
- Airframe hours: 1614
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Todd L. Hudson, doing business as Aero Helicopters
- Registered owner: Tom Layman
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 30, 1993, 46 hours before
- Departed: APC, NAPA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 777 total, 700 in this make and model, 731 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SMF, 14 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 19930505012469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930505012469A), May 5, 1993: Robsin R22BETA, Davis, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot attempted to depart downwind. Lost translational lift. Left skid contacted tomato bed. Rolled over on side.

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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