# NTSB ANC85LA121: Robinson R-22A, N8530J, Summit Lake, AK, July 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1985, 01:30 local (09:30 UTC)
- Place: Summit Lake, AK
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4520
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4520/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA121

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8530J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8530J-1988-04-14), registration cancelled 1988-04-14, S/N 0434 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22A
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0434
- Airframe hours: 106
- Engines: AVCO LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Datco Reality, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 2, 1985, 14 hours before
- Departed: SUMMIT LAKE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 400 total, 95 in this make and model, 245 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19850707033259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850707033259A), Jul 7, 1985: Robsin R22ALPHA, Summit Lake, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot momentarily disoriented after looking in cockpit allowed aircraft to descend. Struck the water and nosed over

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.

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