# NTSB BFO93LA180: Robinson R22, N88RD, Scottdale, PA, September 19, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1993, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Scottdale, PA
- Coordinates: 40.099407, -79.579521 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0994&lon=-79.5795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 25, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8822
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO93LA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8822/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA180

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING AND HIS DELAY IN PERFORMING REMEDIAL ACTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND THE HELICOPTER NEAR A ROCK QUARRY.  AFTER A 'NORMAL' APPROACH INTO THE WIND, THE PILOT NOTICED THAT THE CHOSEN LANDING SITE 'APPEARED UNEVEN.'  HE DECIDED TO DISCONTINUE THE APPROACH.  HE DID NOT HAVE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE ABOVE THE GROUND, OR ENOUGH POWER AVAILABLE TO INITIATE AN IMMEDIATE CLIMB, AND THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO DESCEND.  THE LEFT SKID IMPACTED TERRAIN AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE.  NO PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES WERE REPORTED.

## Factual narrative

On September 19, 1993, about 1430 hours eastern daylight time, N88RD, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, operated by the pilot/owner, impacted terrain and was substantially damaged during an attempted go-around in Scottdale, Pennsylvania.  The certificated private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.  The personal flight originated from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, about 1400 hours and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to the private pilot, he invited a certificated helicopter flight instructor friend for a "sight-seeing ride."  It was agreed that the private pilot would be the pilot-in- command.  About 20 minutes into the flight, the private pilot decided to land near a rock quarry to observe an excavation site.  After a "normal" approach into the wind, the pilot observed that the terrain "appeared uneven".  He decided to discontinue the approach, "but found power was not available to climb."  The helicopter descended onto the uneven terrain, touched down on the left skid, and rolled over onto its left side.

According to a FAA aviation safety inspector, the helicopter's fuselage, main rotor system, and tail rotor system received substantial damage.  No pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were reported.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N88RD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88RD), registered now, S/N 2214, built 1992 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2214
- Airframe hours: 199
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert B. Davis
- Registered owner: Davis Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 13, 1993, 99 hours before
- Departed: LBE, LATROBE, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 535 total, 146 in this make and model, 361 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Observed at: LBE, 15 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 19930919034959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930919034959A), Sep 19, 1993: Robsin R22, Scottsdale, PA, Substantial damage. Planned land near rock quarry but noticed uneven ground. Began go around but not power to climb. Rolled on impact.

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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