# NTSB LAX94LA037: Robinson R-22, N803EH, Sacramento, CA, November 6, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1993, 08:28 local (16:28 UTC)
- Place: Sacramento, CA
- Coordinates: 38.510997, -121.490066 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5110&lon=-121.4901&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 20, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28590
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28590/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA037

## Probable cause

IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE STUDENT PILOT. LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, hover
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The student helicopter pilot was preparing to depart to a local practice field.  The operator reported that in preparing to lift off to a hover the student raised the collective to get the helicopter light on the skids.  At this point, the helicopter began to yaw.  The student overcorrected causing the helicopter to spin.  The rear skid caught on the surface and caused the helicopter to roll over.

## Factual narrative

On November 6, 1993, at about 0828 hours Pacific standard time, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, N803EH, was substantially damaged at Sacramento Executive Airport, California.  The student pilot received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local training flight and no flight plan was filed.  The student pilot had contacted the air traffic control tower ground frequency for permission to air taxi from the south hangars.  The request was approved at the pilot's own risk due to a lack of visual contact by the tower of that area due to visual obstruction from hangars.

A radio call to the tower from another aircraft with visual contact advised that the helicopter had rolled over on its side during hover.

According to the operator, the student was preparing to depart solo to a local practice area.  In preparation to lift off to a hover, he raised the collective to get the helicopter light on the skids.  At this point, the helicopter began to yaw.  The student pilot overcorrected causing the helicopter to spin.  The right rear skid caught the surface causing the helicopter to roll over.

The pilot/operator reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N803EH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N803EH), registered now, S/N 2388 (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: 2376
- Airframe hours: 135
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Sacramento Executive Heli.
- Registered owner: Sacramento Executive Heli.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 2, 1993, 28 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 37 total, 37 in this make and model, 5 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAC

## 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 19931106042319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931106042319A), Nov 6, 1993: Robsin R22, Sacramento, CA, Substantial damage. Raised up to hover. Began to spin. Skid caught surface. 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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