# NTSB ATL86FA097: Robinson R-22, N9069S, Memphis, TN, March 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 22, 1986, 00:00 local (06:00 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Location: 35.1495° N, 90.0490° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Memphis, TN, within about 10 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1495&lon=-90.0490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6932
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6932/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA097

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - rotor system,main rotor - diverged
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - blade strike
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE MANEUVERING OVER AN OPEN FIELD, THE HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR BLADES HAD MULTIPLE CONTACTS WITH THE TAIL BOOM, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TAIL BOOM IN FLIGHT.  THE COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS SEATED IN THE LEFT SEAT; THE STUDENT WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT.  FUEL QUANTITY PRIOR TO TAKEOFF WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 GALLONS.  DURATION OF FLIGHT TIME PER HOBBS WAS 1.6 HOURS.  THERE WAS LITTLE FUEL FOUND AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.  THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.  EXAMINATION OF THE ROTOR SYSTEM REVEALED NO MECHANICAL CAUSE FOR THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9069S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9069S-1990-09-05), registration cancelled 1990-09-05, S/N 0181 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0181
- Airframe hours: 1805
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John E. Cline, doing business as Mid-America Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 10, 1986, 5 hours before
- Departed: MEM, MEMPHIS, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,370 total, 229 in this make and model, 65 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 9 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 19860322007329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860322007329A), Mar 22, 1986: Robsin R22, Memphis, TN, Destroyed. Indicates pilot allowed mast bumping during flight maneuvers causing over travel conditions and main rotor failure.

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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