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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 25, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N505LA

Long Beach, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 25, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Long Beach, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N505LA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA065

The flight instructor reported that he had successfully completed the demonstration of several flight maneuvers for the student pilot. He configured the helicopter for a hovering autorotation, closed the throttle, and the helicopter subsequently descended in a left skid low attitude. The left skid of the helicopter struck the ground, and the instructor attempted to apply corrective control inputs. The helicopter then rolled onto its left side, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and the main rotor system. The flight instructor reported that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he applied right cyclic, and right yaw pedal control during the descent, and cushioned the landing by raising the collective control.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's failure to arrest the helicopter's descent and to maintain lateral control during a hovering autorotation practice.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that he had successfully completed the demonstration of several flight maneuvers for the student pilot. He configured the helicopter for a hovering autorotation, closed the throttle, and the helicopter subsequently descended in a left skid low attitude. The left skid of the helicopter struck the ground, and the instructor attempted to apply corrective control inputs. The helicopter then rolled onto its left side, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and the main rotor system. The flight instructor reported that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he applied right cyclic, and right yaw pedal control during the descent, and cushioned the landing by raising the collective control.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:25 PST
Nearest AirportLong Beach (0nm)
Runway03
Runway Length30 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN505LA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 42 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 25 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data