# NTSB LAX98LA042: Robinson R22 Beta, N45SG, Long Beach, CA, November 22, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 22, 1997, 09:36 local (17:36 UTC) - Place: Long Beach, CA - Coordinates: 33.809185, -118.179161 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8092&lon=-118.1792&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 28, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 30001 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX98LA042 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30001/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA042 ## Probable cause the flight instructor's failure to thoroughly brief his student on the performance standards of the proposed autorotation and the method to be used for a positive transfer of controls. The student's failure to verify the performance standards of the autorotation, to recognize an excessive rate of descent, and to relinquish control of the throttle to the instructor were factors in this accident. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown - crew/group briefing - not performed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - instructions,written/verbal - not verified, dual student (contributing factor) - unsafe/hazardous condition - not identified, dual student (contributing factor) - remedial action - delayed, dual student (contributing factor) - flight controls - restricted, dual student (contributing factor) - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi) - Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - grass ## Analysis During the autorotation, the student allowed the aircraft to descend lower than he had previously and was instructed to increase his flare. The student said he believed this now meant that they would be executing a full touchdown autorotation; however, he did not confirm this with the instructor. As he leveled the aircraft a sink rate developed. The instructor reached for the controls to reapply throttle but did not announce his intention. The student held the throttle at idle and pulled pitch delaying the instructor's efforts with his tight grip on the controls. The aircraft fell though, landing hard on the left skid. The aircraft bounced and rolled onto its left side. The instructor had not briefed the student on the performance standards before executing the maneuver, nor had he announced the method to be used for a positive transfer of controls. The student did not verify the instructor's performance standards, recognize the excessive rate of descent, or relinquish control of the throttle. ## Factual narrative On November 22, 1997, at 0936 hours Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N45SG, rolled over during a practice autorotation at Daugherty Field, Long Beach, California. The aircraft was being operated by Watson Helicopters, Inc., as an instructional flight at the time of the accident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage; however, neither the flight instructor nor his private pilot rated student was injured. The flight originated from Whiteman Airport in Los Angeles, California, at 0830 on the morning of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The student reported that he was practicing autorotations to pad 1. On the previous maneuvers, he had been instructed to execute a "nice easy flare." During this maneuver, however, he was instructed to complete a "nice hefty flare." As a result of this direction from the flight instructor, he thought that they were going to execute a full touchdown autorotation but did not attempt to confirm his assumption. As he leveled the aircraft, the instructor reached for the controls that further strengthened the student's belief that they were now performing a full touchdown autorotation. He held the throttle at idle and pulled pitch to cushion the touchdown but the aircraft drifted left and fell through to the ground. The instructor reported that the student was in the process of completing his fourth straight-in autorotation to pad 1. This autorotation was to terminate with a power recovery in the same manner as the previous three maneuvers. During the flare, however, the student allowed the aircraft to descend lower than he had previously. At this point, the instructor orally reminded him of the importance of a more aggressive flare. The student accentuated his flare, also reducing his air and ground speed. As he leveled the aircraft, an excessive sink rate rapidly developed. The instructor attempted to reapply the throttle but his efforts were delayed by the student's tight grip on the controls. The aircraft was drifting left when the left skid contacted the ground. The aircraft bounced and then rolled onto its left side, coming to rest in the grass abeam of pad 1. Both occupants exited the aircraft without difficulty. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N45SG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N45SG-2015-05-15), registration cancelled 2015-05-15, S/N 1472, built 1990 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R22 BETA - 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: 1472 - Airframe hours: 1386 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Jack Watson, doing business as Watson Helicopters, Inc. - Registered owner: Watson Helicopter Enterprises - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, October 24, 1997, 56 hours before - Departed: WHP, PACOIMA, CA - Destination: LGB - Airport: LGB, Long Beach ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; commercial, private, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,610 total, 2,255 in this make and model, 2,445 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 4 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 16,000 ft broken - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LBG ## 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 19971122034239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971122034239A), Nov 22, 1997: Robsin R22BETA, Long Beach, CA, Substantial damage. Acft tipped over on its side on landing. Long Beach, CA (.4)during the autorotation, the student allowed the aircraft to descend lower than he had previously… 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.