# NTSB CEN24LA205: Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N221RH, Palmyra, MO, May 30, 2024 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: May 30, 2024, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC) - Place: Palmyra, MO - Coordinates: 39.806711, -91.694643 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8067&lon=-91.6946&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration: FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 194364 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN24LA205 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194364/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194364 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA205 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during approach. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis The helicopter pilot reported that during an approach to an off-airport confined area, the skid struck the top of a power line that he did not see. Upon impact the helicopter began to nose over and spin as the pilot closed the engine throttle. The helicopter subsequently impacted the road adjacent to the intended landing point. The tail boom separated, and the main rotor system and airframe sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N221RH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N221RH-2024-09-27), registration cancelled 2024-09-27, S/N 2823, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-360-A1D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-360-a1d) (registry code 41504, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 2823 - Year built: 1998 - Airframe hours: 1595.5 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-J2A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, January 6, 2024, 4.8 hours before - Departed: Palmyra, MO - Airport: none - Equipment: ADS-B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 17, 2023; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 5,103 total, 47 in this make and model, 5,469 as pilot in command, 52 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 30.09 inHg - Icing: Unknown - Observed at: KHAE, 13 nm away - METAR: KHAE 302315Z AUTO 14004KT 10SM CLR 23/10 A3009 RMK AO2 ## 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 20240530009339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240530009339A), May 30, 2024: Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, Palmyra, MO, Destroyed. While conducting a confined area landing from the south to the north, the tail of the aircraft struck powerlines perpendicular to the approach path. The… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 30, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194364. 2.8 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17281644&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120%20CEN24LA205_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigation photographs (item 2, PDF, 4 pages, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17281944&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigation%20Photographs%20CEN24LA205-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.