# NTSB CHI91FA228: Robinson R 22B, N8017D, Carmel, IN, July 24, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1991, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Carmel, IN
- Coordinates: 39.959552, -86.170158 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9596&lon=-86.1702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14911
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91FA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14911/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91FA228

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DELAYING REMEDIAL ACTION.  FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM FOR TAKEOFF, FAILURE TO ABORT TAKEOFF AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN HELICOPTERS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff
  - adequate rotor rpm - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - deteriorated
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AN INACTIVE PRIVATE PILOT WITH 150 AIRPLANE HOURS RESUMED FLYING WITH INSTRUCTION LEADING TO A HELICOPTER RATING AFTER 35 HOURS IN TYPE.  ON HIS FIRST FLIGHT SINCE THE CHECK DATE, THE PILOT RENTED A HELICOPTER FOR A SIGHTSEEING EXCURSION.  WITNESSES RECOUNTED A TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE WITH LOW ENGINE AND ROTOR RPM.  THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED UPRIGHT, ONE HALF MILE FROM TAKEOFF IN A STEEP DESCENT; LOW ROTOR ENERGY WAS EVIDENT.  NO MECHANICAL OR MATERIAL FAILURE WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8017D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8017D-2001-03-15), registration cancelled 2001-03-15, S/N 1009 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R 22B
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1009
- Airframe hours: 868
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Clayton W. Farrar, doing business as Helicopter Air-Link Corp.
- Registered owner: Wright Avaition Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 15, 1991, 63 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 188 total, 37 in this make and model, 137 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 17 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 19910724029809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910724029809A), Jul 24, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Carmel, IN, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Appeared to climb out without full power. Low rotor RPM dropped to ground. No mechanical defects.

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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