# NTSB ANC08CA011: Robinson R-22, N185MH, Nikolski, AK, October 30, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 29, 2007, 19:00 local (Oct 30, 2007, 03:00 UTC) - Place: Nikolski, AK - Coordinates: 53.3533333333333, -168.24 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=53.3533&lon=-168.2400&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 31, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 66995 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC08CA011 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66995/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08CA011 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind gusts while maneuvering, which resulted in the tail rotor striking an undetermined object, and an emergency descent and landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the wind gusts, and the failure of the tail rotor system. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - object - undetermined - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - ground - directional control - not possible - rotor system,tail rotor - failure,total (contributing factor) ## Analysis The solo commercial certificated pilot was conducting a low pass over a beach looking for an appropriate landing spot for the helicopter under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. In a written statement, the pilot reported he was making a low pass over the landing area when a sudden gust of wind caused the helicopter to pitch up, and the tail rotor struck an unknown object. He reported that the helicopter yawed to the right, descended, and the skid struck the ground. According to the pilot, the helicopter came to rest upright, but sustained damage to the main rotor system, tail cone, and rotor mast, in addition to the tail rotor. He reported there were no known mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative The solo commercial certificated pilot was conducting a low pass over a beach looking for an appropriate landing spot for the helicopter under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. In a written statement, the pilot reported he was making a low pass over the landing area when a sudden gust of wind caused the helicopter to pitch up, and the tail rotor struck an unknown object. He reported that the helicopter yawed to the right, descended, and the skid struck the ground. According to the pilot, the helicopter came to rest upright, but sustained damage to the main rotor system, tail cone, and rotor mast, in addition to the tail rotor. He reported there were no known mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N185MH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N185MH-2010-02-18), registration cancelled 2010-02-18, S/N 0976, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R-22 - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 0976 - Airframe hours: 8031 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2C 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Registered owner: Bering Pacific Ranches Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: AAIP, October 1, 2007 - Departed: Nikolski, AK ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 61; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 1, 2007; seat: right; flight hours: 1,857 total, 1,662 in this make and model, 1,708 as pilot in command, 181 in the last 90 days, 92 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 20 knots, gusting 30 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken - Temperature: 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.28 inHg ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20071029826989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071029826989A), Oct 29, 2007: Robsin R22BETA, Unalaska, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) Robinson helicopter model R-22 reportedly crashed while hovering over a beach on umnaki island. It was reported that while hovering in gusty winds the… ## Other investigations on N185MH (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB IAD03CA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03CA061), Jun 27, 2003: Robinson R22 Beta (N185MH), Nashua, NH, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to determine the wind direction, which resulted in a hard, tailwind landing. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). 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