# NTSB BFO90LA037: Robinson R22 Beta, N2580E, Prnc Frederick, MD, April 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 22, 1990, 13:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Prnc Frederick, MD
- Coordinates: 38.539089, -76.579528 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5391&lon=-76.5795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 19, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11587
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11587/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA037

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY NOT SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE OR ASSURING THE HELICOPTER WAS PROPERLY ATTENDED,WHEN HE DEPLANED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, standing - idling rotors
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - lift-off - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, other

## Analysis

AFTER THE PASSENGER BOARDED THE HELICOPTER, THE PLT DEPLANED WITH THE ENG IDLING, SO HE COULD REMOVE THE PASSENGER DOOR.  HE ENGAGED THE FRICTION LOCK ON THE COLLECTIVE & TOLD THE PASSENGER, WHO WAS NOT A PLT, TO KEEP THE CYCLIC CENTERED.  AS THE PLT WAS REMOVING THE PASSENGER DOOR, HE HEARD THE ENG SOUND CHANGE.  THE HELICOPTER THEN LIFTED OFF ABOUT 3 FT & SPUN RIGHT UNTIL THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND.  SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER & CRASHED.  NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS RPRTD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2580E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2580E-1991-03-25), registration cancelled 1991-03-25, S/N 0636 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22 BETA
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0636
- Airframe hours: 2204
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Steven Phillips Aviation
- Registered owner: Nico Aircraft Leasing Co. Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 6, 1990, 87 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 206 total, 194 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DCA

## 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 19900422010579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900422010579A), Apr 22, 1990: Robsin R22BETA, Frederick, MD, Substantial damage. Idling rotors. Passenger onboard. Pilot got out to remove right door. Helicopter rose, spun to right and rolled.

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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