# NTSB ATL85FA070: Robinson R22, N9030B, Moundsville, WV, December 30, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 29, 1984, 21:00 local (Dec 30, 1984, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Moundsville, WV
- Coordinates: 39.919017, -80.740089 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9190&lon=-80.7401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6588
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA070
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6588/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA070

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER CRASHED APRX 1/2 MI FROM THE MARSHALL COUNTY ARPT WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLT. INVESTIGATON REVEALED THAT THE PLT, A DOCTOR WHO SPECIALIZED IN EMERGENCY ROOM PROCEDURES, COMMUTED BETWEEN HOSPITALS LOCATED IN THREE DIFFERENT CITIES. THE PLT HAD BEEN ON CALL OR EN ROUTE BETWEEN THE THREE HOSPITALS FOR 48 OUT OF THE 49 HRS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. AFTER COMPLETION OF A SCHEDULED 12 HR SHIFT AT A WEST VIRGINIA CLINIC, THE PLT HAD TROUBLE STARTING THE ACFT DUE TO A PROBLEM HE IDENTIFIED AS A STICKING BENDIX GEAR ON THE STARTER. DURING THIS TIME THE PLT SAID HE WAS LOW ON FUEL & WAS GOING TO MARSHALL COUNTY FOR FUEL. THE PLT HAD CALLED THE MARSHALL COUNTY ARPT BY TELEPHONE TO ARRANGE FOR FUEL BEFORE DEPARTING. INVESTIGATIVE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PLT'S ACTIVITIES, SCHEDULES & ASSOCIATED REFUELING ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN ESTIMATED 2 GALS OF FUEL ON BOARD THE ACFT AT TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9030B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9030B-2013-09-11), registration cancelled 2013-09-11, S/N 0055, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0055
- Airframe hours: 634
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William H. Longphre
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1984, 38 hours before
- Departed: HLG, WHEELING, WV
- Destination: 74D, MOUNDSVILLE, WV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,384 total, 178 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PKB, 47 nm away

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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