# NTSB CHI90DEK04: Robinson R-22, N90778, St. Mary'S, OH, May 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1990, 14:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: St. Mary'S, OH
- Coordinates: 40.54066, -84.390106 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5407&lon=-84.3901&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14462
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEK04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14462/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEK04

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID WIRES IN HIS OPERATING AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

A THREE POINT LANDING WAS BEING MADE ON RUNWAY 19. THE PILOT SAID, '...I HAD A LITTLE WEATHER VANE TO THE RIGHT, I CORRECTED TO THE LEFT BUT WITH A LITTLE TOO MUCH CAUSING ME TO LEAVE THE PAVEMENT ONTO THE GRASS.' AS HE TURNED LEFT TO AVOID STRIKING RUNWAY LIGHTS, THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK A TREE AND THE AIRPLANE SPUN TO THE LEFT. THE PILOT FURTHER STATED, '...MORE TIME BY PIC WOULD HAVE PREVENTED ACCID [SIC] LOW TIME BY PIC.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90778](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90778-1996-06-21), registration cancelled 1996-06-21, S/N 0280 (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: 0280
- Airframe hours: 2180
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-BA2 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Aerial Helicopter Services Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 20, 1990, 60 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,000 total, 250 in this make and model, 180 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19900514015909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900514015909A), May 14, 1990: Robsin R22BETA, St Marys, OH, Substantial damage. Crashed into wheat field after collision with wires on a spray run. Operator not certificated for ag operations.

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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