# NTSB BFO89LA071: Robinson R22, N8557H, Manassas, VA, August 17, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1989, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Manassas, VA
- Location: 38.7468° N, 77.4826° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Manassas, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7468&lon=-77.4826&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11523
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO89LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11523/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA071

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL BY THE STUDENT PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO RELINQUISH CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER TO THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI).  A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - cyclic - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - lack of total experience, dual student (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command(cfi)
  - relinquishing of control - not performed, dual student (cause)
- Roll over, hover

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8557H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8557H), registered now, S/N 0460, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0460
- Airframe hours: 2252
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Allan Bernstein
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 27, 1989, 44 hours before
- Airport: W10, Manassas Muni

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 850 total, 350 in this make and model, 760 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 64 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

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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