# NTSB ATL85LA010: Robinson R22, N90218, Hueytown, AL, October 13, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 12, 1984, 23:00 local (Oct 13, 1984, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: Hueytown, AL
- Coordinates: 33.369274, -86.959594 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3693&lon=-86.9596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6687
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6687/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA010

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED INTO A RIVER WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE ALLOWED ENGINE RPM TO DROP AND AT THE SAME TIME APPLIED COLLECTIVE PITCH. THE ACFT STRUCK THE WATER IN A STEEP DESCENT. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF ANY FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90218](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90218-1989-03-24), registration cancelled 1989-03-24, S/N 0034 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0034
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry Cottingham
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: ADGER, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 550 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BHM, 20 nm away

## 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 19841012074679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841012074679A), Oct 12, 1984: Robsin R22, Hueytown, AL, Substantial damage. During attempt to abort landing pilot failed to maintain rotor speed. Settled into water.

## Other investigations on N90218 (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 ATL83FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FA044), Nov 23, 1982: Robinson R-22 (N90218), Alabaster, AL, substantial damage

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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