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NTSB Report

March 6, 2004 · Robinson R22 BETA · N7188S

Long Beach, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 6, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Long Beach, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N7188S
Operator
Los Angeles Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX04CA146

The helicopter rolled over while the certified flight instructor (CFI) and student were practicing autorotations from a hover. On the previous attempt, the student pilot applied improper left cyclic input. The CFI identified the improper action to the student, and told him to try it again. The student landed the helicopter and maintained the heading; the CFI did not perceive any lateral movement. Then the CFI realized that the helicopter was starting to roll to the left. The CFI applied full right cyclic, but the helicopter continued to roll slowly until the main rotor blades contacted the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The CFI stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper use of the cyclic control and the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a rollover.

Full Narrative

On March 5, 2004, at 1738 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N7188S, rolled over while practicing a hovering autorotation at Long Beach-Daugherty Field (LGB), Long Beach, California. Los Angeles Helicopters was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) sustained minor injuries, and the student pilot was not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed LGB about 1630. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 33 degrees 49 minutes north latitude and 118 degrees 09 minutes west longitude. The CFI reported that while practicing hovering autorotations, the student pilot was manipulating the controls with the CFI following along. The autorotation prior to the accident resulted with the student pilot applying improper left cyclic input. The CFI identified the improper action to the student, and told him to try it again. On the accident hovering autorotation, the student was the sole manipulator of the controls. He landed the helicopter and maintained the heading; the CFI did not perceive any lateral movement. Then the CFI realized that the helicopter was starting to roll to the left. The CFI applied full right cyclic, but the helicopter continued to roll slowly until the main rotor blades contacted the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The pilot and operator submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). The CFI stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:38 PST
Nearest AirportLong Beach /Daugherty Field/ (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN7188S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLos Angeles Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 56 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 52
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time01:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data