# NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC17LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17LA013.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Palmer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2016 · N121MR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) during a pinnacle landing, which resulted in a main rotor stall condition, a loss of control, and a subsequent impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's…
- [NTSB ANC12CA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA032.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Alpha · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 21, 2012 · N121MR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a tailrotor strike.
- [NTSB DEN06CA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA064.md): Robinson R-22 · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 15, 2006 · N85560 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper preflight planning and his failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the helicopter exceeding its maximum gross weight for takeoff and the high density altitude.
- [NTSB CHI04FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA197.md): Robinson R22 Alpha · Mount Clemens, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2004 · N103MH · Destroyed
  > A loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC03CA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA207.md): Robinson R-22A · Bedford, MA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2003 · N56MU · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain ground clearance and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in a rollover.
- [NTSB FTW02LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA080.md): Robinson R-22A · Encino, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2002 · N8557Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during lift off from a transport trailer resulting in dynamic rollover of the helicopter.
- [NTSB IAD01LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01LA071.md): Robinson R-22A · Atwater, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2001 · N2242P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper remedial response to a dynamic rollover event, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over on its side.
- [NTSB MIA00LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00LA005.md): Robinson R-22 · Sunny Isles, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 1999 · N83574 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power while maneuvering due to improper ignition timing by unknown person(s) resulting in an emergency descent and collision with the water.
- [NTSB DEN99LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA163.md): Robinson R22A · Tucumcari, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1999 · N8497Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout. A factor was a reduced visual detection due to background vegetation and terrain.
- [NTSB NYC99LA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA190.md): Robinson R-22A · Shirley, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1999 · N8561K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB LAX99LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA186.md): Robinson R22A · San Luis Obispo, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 1999 · N8558N · Substantial damage
  > The student's inadvertent and uncoordinated application of forward cyclic during an autorotation flare, which resulted in a loss of main rotor rpm; and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB SEA99LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA026.md): Robinson R-22 · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 6, 1999 · N605HA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
- [NTSB LAX98FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA098.md): Robinson R22 · Littlerock, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 1998 · N8457J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper use of the rotorcraft cyclic control in response to encountering terrain induced turbulence. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing which contained precautionary notices for turbulence.
- [NTSB NYC95LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA126.md): Robinson R-22A · Fairfield, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1995 · N8541E · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. The student's lack of experience in the type of operation (solo flight) was a related factor.
- [NTSB MIA94LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA176.md): Robinson R-22 · Sanford, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 1994 · N22431 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tailrotor driveshaft for undetermined reasons resulting in loss of tailrotor drive. This resulted in the helicopter spinning uncontrolled and descending from a hover until it crashed in the water.
- [NTSB NYC94FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA078.md): Robinson R22A · North Bergen, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 1994 · N503TH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout and adequate obstacle clearance, which resulted in an inflight collision with a static wire.
- [NTSB BFO94LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94LA035.md): Robinson R-22A · Gaithersburg, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 1994 · N8559A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM which led to an in flight loss of control resulting in a collision with the runway and the helicopter rolling over on its side. A factor in this accident was the pilot's lack of total experience flying helicopters.
- [NTSB NYC93LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA126.md): Robinson R22 · Sanford, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 1993 · N8557Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter while hovering, resulting in the main rotor blades impacting the ground.
- [NTSB BFO92LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA117.md): Robinson R22A · Sanford, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1992 · N8557Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain to execute a landing.
- [NTSB MIA92LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA073.md): Robinson R-22 Alpha · Juno Beach, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 1992 · N85570 · Substantial damage
  > Improper collective and cyclic control inputs and poor in-flight planning decision by the pilot-in-command.
- [NTSB LAX91LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA097.md): Robinson R22A · Piru, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 1991 · N8491A · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the CFI to maintain main rotor RPM during a demonstrated autorotation.
- [NTSB NYC91LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA071.md): Robinson R-22 Alpha · Coram, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 1991 · N8555K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain rotor RPM and misjudging the height of the flare during a precautionary autorotative landing, resulting in a roll over during the landing flare touchdown.
- [NTSB LAX90LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA204.md): Robinson R22A · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 1990 · N8557Z · Substantial damage
  > This accident was a dynamic roll over due to the right skid encountering soft soil during the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX90LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA074.md): Robinson R22 · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 1990 · N2258R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot encountered a tailwind while on final approach, but delayed the go-around. During the go-around the pilot failed to maintain airspeed and entered a descent (settling with power).
- [NTSB LAX90LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA013.md): Robinson R22A · Simi Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 1989 · N84817 · Substantial damage
  > Student pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude.
- [NTSB BFO89LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA071.md): Robinson R22 · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 1989 · N8557H · Substantial damage
  > Improper use of the cyclic control by the student pilot and his failure to relinquish control of the helicopter to the instructor (CFI). A contributing factor was the student's lack of experience.
- [NTSB LAX89LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA251.md): Robinson R22 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1989 · N8477B · Substantial damage
  > Improperly use of the flight controls by the pilot and his failure to maintain control of the helicopter.
- [NTSB LAX89FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA092.md): Robinson R22A · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 1989 · N8529C · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude, proper airspeed for the reduced visibility, and an adequate visual outlook to avoid a collision with power transmission cable. Contributing to the accident was reduced visibility due to fog.
- [NTSB BFO88LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88LA076.md): Robinson R22A · Gaithersburg, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1988 · N8559A · Substantial damage
  > The flt was initiated with the student plt bringing the helicopter up to a hover with some forward speed. The student rapidly and forcefully applied aft cyclic. The CFI was unable to compensate in time, even though he was on the controls with the student. The…
- [NTSB LAX88FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA032.md): Robinson R22A · Moraga, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 1987 · N8475A · Destroyed
  > A divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in rotor contact with the cockpit area.
- [NTSB SEA87LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA175.md): Robinson R-22 · Tukwila, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1987 · N8379Z · Substantial damage
  > While attempting to land in a field and at about 3 feet AGL, the pilot attempted to secure the right cabin door. Due to the distraction the pilot allowed the rear skids to contact the ground and a hard landing resulted.
- [NTSB NYC87LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA122.md): Robinson R22 · Pottstown, PA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1987 · N85570 · Substantial damage
  > During landing approach to runway 28, ground fog was encountered and the pilot overshot his intended touchdown point. The pilot stated that he slowed the airspeed to zero mph and the acft started to shake and fall even though the motor and rotor were at 100%…
- [NTSB LAX87FA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA147.md): Robinson R-22-A · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 1987 · N2256M · Destroyed
  > A loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB FTW86LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA044.md): Robinson R-22 · Mcalester, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 1986 · N8557K · Substantial damage
  > The plt was hearding cattle with the helicopter when the accident occurred. He was traveling slow and parallel with a barbed wire fence. He had to turn to the right to avoid a tree which was directly ahead of the acft. Upon making the turn he caught the tail…
- [NTSB ANC85LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA121.md): Robinson R-22A · Summit Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1985 · N8530J · Substantial damage
  > Helicopter struck glassy water lake during a low alt turn. Plt/flt instructor said he became disoriented during the turn, after he looked inside the helicopter briefly to check the rotor RPM. Accident occured during a bright night.
- [NTSB SEA85LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA129.md): Robinson R22 · Port Orchard, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1985 · N8490D · Substantial damage
  > The instructor plt (CFI) with only 358 hrs total flt time was demonstrating an autorotation with a power recovery. During the recovery, the CFI failed to fully regain RPM & the helicopter settled to the surface. With a low rotor RPM, there was a loss of tail…
- [NTSB FTW85FPJ02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FPJ02.md): Robinson R-22A · Mcalester, OK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 8, 1985 · N8556C · Substantial damage
  > The plt was using the helicopter to round up cattle. One cow charged the helicopter and struck the tail rotor. The helicopter pitched nose down, the main rotor blade struck the ground. The helicopter came to rest in an upright position.
- [NTSB ATL85FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA067.md): Robinson R-22 Alpha · Huntsville, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 1984 · N8475K · Destroyed
  > A popping sound then a loud noise and a puff of smoke preceded the helicopter's fall to the ground, stated a 12 year old boy who said he saw the accident. Examination of the helicopter failed to disclose any trace of fire. However one main rotor blade…
- [NTSB NYC85FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FA048.md): Robinson R-22-A · Ellington, CT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 1984 · N84958 · Destroyed
  > The non-inst rated plt continued flt into IMC conditions in a helicopter which was not equipped for flt on instruments. There is no record or witnesses of the plt having received a formal wx briefing but it is reported that the plt was informed of fog moving…
- [NTSB FTW84LA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA308.md): Robinson R-22A · Henderson, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1984 · N8518W · Substantial damage
  > The instructor plt stated that the student plt landed the helicopter. As the helicopter touched down and was still light on its skids the student applied left cyclic control and the helicopter started to roll towards the left. The student plt froze on the…
- [NTSB LAX83FA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA226.md): Robinson R22 · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 1983 · N83574 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter was on an FAA certification test flt with a part-time company employee in the left seat as pilot- in-command (PIC). An FAA test plt was in the right seat. The purpose of the flt was to establish new data for the helicopter's height-velocity…

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7640104'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7640104

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