# NTSB CHI83FA023: Robinson R-22, N9015R, Indian Hill, OH, October 21, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 21, 1982, 15:44 local (19:44 UTC)
- Place: Indian Hill, OH
- Coordinates: 39.190612, -84.339538 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1906&lon=-84.3395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71145
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83FA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71145/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83FA023

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor system - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - acft/equip,inadequate handling/perf capabilities, manufacturer (contributing factor)
  - collective - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - adequate rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate transition/upgrade training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - misc rotorcraft,tail cone - loss,total
  - misc rotorcraft,tail cone - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED CIRCLING AN ATHLETIC FIELD. DURING THE THIRD PASS OVER THE FIELD IT WAS OBSERVED TO COME TO A NEAR HOVER IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY A TAILROTOR SEPARATION. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A SAFETY NOTICE 12/4/81 & AGAIN ON 10/4/82 STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING ROTOR RPM & AIRSPEED. ON 10/27/82 NTSB ISSUED SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS A-82-143 & -144 TO SUSPEND THE AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE OF THE R-22 UNTIL (1) MAIN ROTOR SYST STABILITY/STALL CHARACTERISTICS & M/R RPM DECAY RATES ARE DETERMINED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE MARGINS OF SAFETY & TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH NORMAL PLT REACTION TIMES, & UNTIL THE M/R SYSTEM IS DETERMINED TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH 14CFR27.661. THE BOARD RECOMMENDED A STUDY BE CONDUCTED TO VERIFY THAT ADEQUATE ENG TORQUE IS AVAILABLE TO THE M/R SYSTEM TO RECOVER RPM SHOULDA RAPID DECAY OF RPM OCCUR DURING FLT. AN AD WAS ISSUED REQUIRING RAISING THE ACTUATION RPM SETTING FOR THE LOW RPM WARNING LIGHT & REQUIRING THAT A LOWROTOR RPM WARNING LIGHT BE INSTALLED ON A R-22'S.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9015R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9015R-1983-05-25), registration cancelled 1983-05-25, S/N 0010 (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: 0010
- Airframe hours: 825
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-27A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Colerain Investment
- Registered owner: Colerain Investment
- Departed: C, CHILLICOTHE, OH
- Destination: C, CINCINNATI, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,662 total, 18 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 115 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19821021054649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821021054649A), Oct 21, 1982: Robsin R22, Cincinnati, OH, Destroyed. Hovered over a parking lot near sons football practice. Stalled rotors when power was applied with low rotor RPM.

## Other investigations on N9015R (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI81FEG15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81FEG15), Aug 6, 1981: Robinson R22 (N9015R), Cincinnati, OH, substantial damage

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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