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NTSB Report
May 5, 1993 · Robinson R-22 · N80156
Davis, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Davis, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N80156
Operator
Todd L Hudson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA203
THE PILOT DEPARTED FROM THE CONFINED AREA LANDING ZONE DOWNWIND. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB THE HELICOPTER LOST TRANSLATIONAL LIFT. THE PILOT ADDED MORE COLLECTIVE AND INCREASED THE THROTTLE TO MAXIMUM RPM, BUT WITHOUT SUCCESS, AND THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN TO DECAY. THE HELICOPTER'S LEFT SKID CONTACTED THE TOMATO BED WHILE MOVING FORWARD AND IN A RIGHT YAWING TURN, AND THE HELICPTER ROLLED OVER. THE R-22 PILOT'S OPERATING HANBOOK STATES 'NEVER MAKE TAKE-OFFS OR LANDINGS DOWNWIND...THE RESULTING LOSS OF TRANSLATIONAL LIFT CAN CAUSE THE AIRCRAFT TO SETTLE INTO GROUND OBSTACLES.' IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED SAFETY NOTICE RSN-4 WHICH STATES, IN PART, 'POWER IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO RPM. IF YOU RAISE THE COLLECTIVE TO STOP THE SHIP FROM SETTLING, YOU WILL PULL THE RPM DOWN EVEN LOWER AND SETTLE EVEN FASTER.'
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW A SAFETY TIP IN THE PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK TO NEVER MAKE A DOWNWIND TAKEOFF, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM, AND HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROLS. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TAILWIND.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT DEPARTED FROM THE CONFINED AREA LANDING ZONE DOWNWIND. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB THE HELICOPTER LOST TRANSLATIONAL LIFT. THE PILOT ADDED MORE COLLECTIVE AND INCREASED THE THROTTLE TO MAXIMUM RPM, BUT WITHOUT SUCCESS, AND THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN TO DECAY. THE HELICOPTER'S LEFT SKID CONTACTED THE TOMATO BED WHILE MOVING FORWARD AND IN A RIGHT YAWING TURN, AND THE HELICPTER ROLLED OVER. THE R-22 PILOT'S OPERATING HANBOOK STATES 'NEVER MAKE TAKE-OFFS OR LANDINGS DOWNWIND...THE RESULTING LOSS OF TRANSLATIONAL LIFT CAN CAUSE THE AIRCRAFT TO SETTLE INTO GROUND OBSTACLES.' IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED SAFETY NOTICE RSN-4 WHICH STATES, IN PART, 'POWER IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO RPM. IF YOU RAISE THE COLLECTIVE TO STOP THE SHIP FROM SETTLING, YOU WILL PULL THE RPM DOWN EVEN LOWER AND SETTLE EVEN FASTER.'
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN80156
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTodd L Hudson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 14 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:54
Weather SourceWFAC