# NTSB LAX94LA374: Robinson R-22, N4001B, Chico, CA, September 23, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1994, 18:30 local (Sep 23, 1994, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Chico, CA
- Coordinates: 39.740425, -121.829124 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7404&lon=-121.8291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28868
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA374
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28868/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA374

## Probable cause

the student pilot's improper use of the flight controls.  The student pilot's lack of experience in the helicopter is a factor in this accident.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE STUDENT HELICOPTER PILOT RECEIVED SOME DUAL INSTRUCTION BEFORE BEGINNING HIS SECOND SUPERVISED SOLO FLIGHT.  THE INSTRUCTOR REMINDED THE STUDENT PILOT THAT HE WOULD NEED MORE RIGHT CYCLIC CONTROL THAN HE WAS USED TO.  ON LIFT-OFF, THE STUDENT APPLIED TOO MUCH CYCLIC CONTROL AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO ROLL TO THE RIGHT.  THE INSTRUCTOR OBSERVED THE STUDENT APPLY SOME LEFT CYCLIC, BUT NOT ENOUGH.  THE RIGHT SKID DUG INTO THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER.

## Factual narrative

On September 22, 1994, at 1830 hours Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, N4001B, rolled over and crashed shortly after lifting off at Ranchaero Airport, Chico, California.  The certificated private pilot/helicopter student pilot was beginning his second supervised solo local area flight.  The helicopter, operated by Sierra Aviation, Chico, California, sustained substantial damage.  The pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated as a dual instructional flight at Ranchaero Airport at 1745 hours.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators interviewed the student pilot's instructor via telephone on September 22, 1994.  The instructor said that before beginning the second supervised solo he gave the student between 30 and 40 minutes of dual instruction.

When the instructor deplaned the helicopter, he reminded the student that when he lifted off he would probably have to use more left cyclic than he was used to.  The student pilot began the lift off.  When the helicopter was light on the skids, the helicopter began to roll to the right.  The instructor saw the student apply "some left cyclic, but not enough."  The helicopter then yawed to the left and the right skid dug into the soft terrain.  The helicopter's rotor blades then struck the terrain and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4001B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4001B-2000-03-22), registration cancelled 2000-03-22, S/N 1388M (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 MARINER](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-mariner) (registry code 7640115) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1388
- Airframe hours: 1720
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Sierra Aviation
- Registered owner: Income Properties
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: O23, Ranchaero

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 130 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CIC, 6 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 19940922029819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940922029819A), Sep 22, 1994: Robsin R22BETA, Chico, CA, Substantial damage. Supervised solo. Advised needed more cyclic sans CFI. Over used cyclio on liftoff. Right turn. Skid dug in. Rolled.

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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