# NTSB LAX93LA224: Robinson R-22, N2312N, Pacoima, CA, May 26, 1993 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 25, 1993, 19:20 local (May 26, 1993, 02:20 UTC) - Place: Pacoima, CA - Coordinates: 34.249362, -118.409767 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2494&lon=-118.4098&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 30, 1994 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28390 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA224 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28390/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA224 ## Probable cause THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE THROTTLE AND ANTITORGUE PEDALS. A FACTOR RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE STUDENT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, taxi - aerial - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - tail rotor/anti-torque control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, taxi - aerial ## Analysis THE STUDENT PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE RPM WAS GETTING HIGH DURING AERIAL TAXI. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER SWINGING AND YAWING DOWN THE TAXIWAY. THE STUDENT UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE HELICOPTER INTO FORWARD FLIGHT BEFORE THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND. THE STUDENT PILOT DOES NOT RECALL USING THE RUDDER TO ARREST THE YAW. ## Factual narrative On May 25, 1993 at 1920 hours Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, N2312N, collided with a fence shortly after lifting off the operator's ramp area at Whiteman Airpark (WHP), Pacoima, California. The noncertificated student pilot was beginning a local area visual flight rules solo flight. The helicopter, operated by Watson Helicopters, sustained substantial damage. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The operator reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the instructor had previously flown with the student pilot at the practice area. During the instruction period, the student performed several takeoffs and landings. The flight then returned to Whiteman Airpark. The instructor de-planed the helicopter and informed the student to make a vertical takeoff to hover, then hover over the fence and land on the end of the taxiway. The instructor observed the student make a good takeoff and hover and then walked into the building. When the student did not return to the building, the instructor walked outside and found the crash site. The student recalls the engine "RPM getting high". Witnesses observed the helicopter "swinging and yawing" prior to the tail rotor striking the ground. The student unsuccessfully tried to transition into forward flight but does not remember using the anti-torque controls to correct for the yawing effects. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2312N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2312N), registered now, S/N 2018, built 1991 (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: 2018 - Airframe hours: 1112 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Watson Helicopters - Registered owner: Marvin Rush - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, May 17, 1993, 14 hours before - Airport: WHP, Whiteman Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 37; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 28 total, 28 in this make and model, 2 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °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 19930525015159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930525015159A), May 25, 1993: Robsin R22BETA, Los Angeles, CA, Substantial damage. Tail rotor struck a fence after swinging around when student tried to leave hover for forward flight. ## Other investigations on N2312N (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 LAX98LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA170), May 22, 1998: Robinson R22B (N2312N), San Luis Obispo, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing was wind gusts. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.