# NTSB LAX95LA147: Robinson R-22B, N8320A, Byron, CA, March 28, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 27, 1995, 17:00 local (Mar 28, 1995, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Byron, CA
- Coordinates: 38.000171, -122.029663 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0002&lon=-122.0297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29063
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29063/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA147

## Probable cause

the unsuitable terrain selected by the pilots.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

THE PRACTICE AUTOROTATION WAS MADE TO WHAT APPEARED, TO THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND, TO BE A SUITABLE LANDING SITE, BUT THE GROUND UNDERNEATH WAS SOFT AND WET.  THE AIRCRAFT SKIDS SANK INTO THE SOFT GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED FORWARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS SIDE.  THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.

## Factual narrative

On March 27, 1995, at 1700 hours Pacific standard time, a Robinson R-22B helicopter, N8320A, landed in soft soil and rolled over during a local instructional flight at Byron, California.  The aircraft was substantially damaged and the two pilots were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.  The flight originated at Concord, California, at 1640.

Information from the operator, Helicopter Adventures, Inc., of Concord, indicated that the accident occurred when the aircraft skids sank in soft ground during a practice autorotation.  The aircraft pitched forward until the blades struck the ground.  The helicopter then rolled over on its right side.  The pilot stated in his report that the area appeared suitable for touchdown; however, a dry crust was on the surface and the ground beneath was soft and wet.

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8320A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8320A), registered now, S/N 2510, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22B
- 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: 2510
- Airframe hours: 58
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Helicopter Adventures, Inc.
- Registered owner: Matthew Spitzer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CCR, CONCORD, CA
- Destination: C83, CA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,400 total, 1,395 in this make and model, 1,342 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19950327049529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950327049529A), Mar 27, 1995: Robsin R22BETA, Byron, CA, No damage. (-16) Accident result of helicopter and skid sinking in soft ground. Site had been in use by operator for training for several months. Recent rains had made…

## Other investigations on N8320A (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 MIA05LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05LA148), Aug 11, 2005: Robinson R22 Beta (N8320A), Lantana, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The CFI's delayed remedial action to recover from a practice autorotation with planned power recovery resulting in a hard landing.

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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