# NTSB SEA08CA032: Robinson R22 Beta, N463SH, Ramona, CA, November 20, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: November 20, 2007, 14:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Ramona, CA
- Coordinates: 33.039165, -116.915
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0392&lon=-116.9150&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: San Diego, California
- NTSB case key (mKey): 67140
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA08CA032
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67140/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08CA032

## Probable cause

An excessive descent rate during a simulated 180-degree power-off autorotation, and the flight instructor's failure to initiate corrective action in time to keep the helicopter from impacting the terrain.

## Analysis

While demonstrating a practice 180-degree autorotation to landing, the certified flight instructor allowed the helicopter to develop an excessive descent rate and low rotor rpm, which resulted in a hard landing.  Although he attempted to take corrective action, he did not do so in time to keep the helicopter from contacting the asphalt surface with sufficient force to result in substantial damage to the helicopters airframe.  Examination of the helicopter revealed no mechanical anomalies.

## Factual narrative

While demonstrating a practice 180-degree autorotation to landing, the certified flight instructor allowed the helicopter to develop an excessive descent rate and low rotor rpm, which resulted in a hard landing.  Although he attempted to take corrective action, he did not do so in time to keep the helicopter from contacting the asphalt surface with sufficient force to result in substantial damage to the helicopters airframe.  Examination of the helicopter revealed no mechanical anomalies.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - descent - excessive, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - terrain condition - ground

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N463SH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N463SH-2013-06-13), registration cancelled 2013-06-13, S/N 4038, built 2006 (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 O-360-J2A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-j2a) (registry code 42314, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 4038
- Airframe hours: 1858.3
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-J2A 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Silver State Helicopters
- Registered owner: Siler State Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 1, 2007, 31.4 hours before
- Departed: SEE, El Cajon, CA
- Destination: RNM, Ramona, CA
- Airport: RMN, Ramona Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Flight instructor; age 30; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review September 1, 2006; seat: right; flight hours: 920 total, 870 in this make and model, 850 as pilot in command, 149 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours
- Student pilot; age 29; injuries: serious; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; seat: left; flight hours: 250 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.95 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 20071120827139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071120827139A), Nov 20, 2007: Robsin R22BETA, Ramona, CA, Destroyed. (-23) Instructor pilot was demonstrating a flight maneuver/autorotation and lost control of aircraft. See the attached statement provided by the pilot [privacy…

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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