# NTSB Accident LAX02FA173
> **Robinson R22 Beta** · 2002-05-22 · Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX02FA173
- **Event ID:** 20020531X00796
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2002-05-22
- **Location:** Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 37.61639, -119.000556
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Robinson
- **Model:** R22 Beta
- **Registration:** N7194J
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's poor decision to continue the flight into the rising mountainous terrain, and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with the trees.  Contributing factors were rising mountainous terrain, the high density altitude, and the exceeded weight and balance and performance capability of the helicopter.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX02FA173) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*