# NTSB CHI87LA178: Robinson 22, N8383F, Minnetonka, MN, July 29, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1987, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Minnetonka, MN
- Coordinates: 44.929401, -93.459297 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.9294&lon=-93.4593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13802
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA178
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13802/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA178

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - downhill
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - separation

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND ON A FLAT SPOT ON TOP OF A HILL THE TAIL ROTOR HIT THE GROUND AND THE TAIL BOOM BROKE OFF. ONE WITNESS REPORTS THAT WHEN THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN IT BOUNCED UP ABOUT 10 FEET. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8383F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8383F-2013-06-07), registration cancelled 2013-06-07, S/N 0334, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON 22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0334
- Airframe hours: 2241
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George G. Hervert, doing business as Hervert Aviation
- Registered owner: George G Hervert
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 15, 1987, 41 hours before
- Departed: D97, SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 225 total, 121 in this make and model, 130 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19870729040129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870729040129A), Jul 29, 1987: Robsin R22, Minnetonka, MN, Substantial damage. Attempting to land at a flat spot on top a hill. Tail rotor hit the ground. Tail boom broke off. Hard landing.

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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