# NTSB ERA22FA098: Robinson Helicopter R44 II, N442VB, Bronson, FL, December 31, 2021 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report - Date: December 30, 2021, 20:25 local (Dec 31, 2021, 01:25 UTC) - Place: Bronson, FL - Coordinates: 29.419204, -82.646579 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4192&lon=-82.6466&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 4 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA Tampa, Lycoming, Robinson Helicopters - NTSB case key (mKey): 104462 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA22FA098 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/104462/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=104462 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA098 ## Probable cause A loss of control due to spatial disorientation as a result of the noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight at night into an area of known reduced visibility due to fog. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Perception/orientation/illusion: spatial disorientation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022025): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022025/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 358 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022025/cases.md) - [Ceiling/visibility/precip: fog](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 78 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: qualification/certification](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 280 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 74 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) ## Analysis The noninstrument-rated pilot departed into night conditions with three passengers. Flight track information indicated that the helicopter flew northwest at altitudes between about 350 and 700 ft before impacting wooded terrain about 2.5 miles from the departure point. The helicopter was heavily fragmented, and the wreckage path was about 225 ft long. The examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Atmospheric conditions were favorable to the development of widespread, dense radiational fog in the area of the accident site during the time the helicopter departed. The pilot was aware of these conditions, as he stated to an individual before he departed that the fog and visibility were “bad,” and that he needed to find another way home. The helicopter was not certified for instrument flight. As the pilot maneuvered the helicopter into reduced visibility, night conditions, it is likely he could not see outside visual references. When there is a lack of outside visual references, the pilot would have to use his flight instruments to understand the helicopter’s position in space. Based on the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, the helicopter’s trajectory changed several times in that last .5 miles. It is likely that the pilot was not referencing his flight instruments or was experiencing the effects of spatial disorientation. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot became spatially disoriented and lost control of the helicopter after departing on a visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, night conditions ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 30, 2021, about 2025 eastern standard time, a Robinson R44 II, N442VB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bronson, Florida. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot was not instrument rated and the helicopter was not certified for flight in instrument conditions. The pilot departed a private residence located in Bronson, Florida, about 2023, destined for his personal residence in Bell, Florida. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, the helicopter departed about 2.5 miles south of the accident site. The helicopter flew northwest about 1.5 miles, then turned right and flew northeast for 1 mile. During the last .5 miles, the helicopter descended from 700 ft mean sea level (msl), to 350 ft msl, then climbed back up to 625 ft msl. The last data point showed the helicopter descending again at 550 ft msl. A witness at the residence from which the pilot departed stated that the pilot was checking the weather and wanted to depart soon. He stated that the pilot said the fog and visibility was getting “bad” and his initial route home did not look good, and they needed to take another route home. A witness, who was out walking her dog, stated that she heard a helicopter about 2025. She looked for the helicopter but could not see it because it was too dark outside, and she did not see any lights. Seconds later, she heard the helicopter crash and a “large fireball” light up the sky. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION Williston Municipal Airport (X60), Williston, Florida, was located about 10 miles east-southeast of the accident site. At 2035, recorded weather at X60 included calm wind, visibility of 7 statute miles, mist, scattered clouds at 500 ft agl, temperature of 21°C, dew point temperature of 20°C, altimeter setting of 30.08 inches of mercury. The NWS Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Tampa Bay, Florida, issued the following “Update” section of an Area Forecast Discussion (AFD) at 1908. This was the last AFD issued from this WFO before the accident. UPDATE... Atmospheric conditions are very favorable for widespread radiational dense fog over land and advection fog over marine zones this evening, tonight and into Friday morning. An expanding area of low clouds and sea fog has already developed from Sarasota County through Tampa Bay and into portions of the Nature Coast with near zero visibility reported in Venice early this evening. Later this evening expected fog development to expand and become widespread and very dense overnight. Expect Dense Fog Advisories to be issued as fog impacts more areas into tonight. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The accident site was located in a wooded area and the wreckage path was about 225 ft long. The helicopter was heavily fragmented and scattered along a debris path on a heading of about360° magnetic. The right skid was embedded in the ground at a 42° angle. An 8-foot-long section of the main rotor blade was embedded in the ground about 3 ft deep. The engine was located about 225 ft north of the main impact point. The main rotor gearbox and sections of the main rotor blades were located about 175 feet northeast of the main impact point. The main rotor gearbox was forwarded to the manufacturer for further examination. The examination revealed that the damage to the gearbox was impact related and no preimpact anomalies were noted. Examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Office of the Medical Examiner, District 8, Gainesville, Florida. The autopsy report was reviewed by the NTSB Investigator-In-Charge. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was injuries sustained in a helicopter crash, and the manner of death was accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N442VB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N442VB), registered now, S/N 14296, built 2019 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44-ii) (registry code 7640122) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-ae1a5) (registry code 41899, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 14296 - Year built: 2019 - Airframe hours: 319.48 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540 reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 14, 2021 - Departed: Bronson, FL - Destination: Bell, FL - Equipment: ADS-B, Electronic primary flight display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 36; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; toxicology performed; flight hours: 360 total, 144 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark - Wind: 200° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 600 ft overcast - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.06 inHg - Observed at: KCTY, 27 nm away - METAR: METAR KCTY 310135Z AUTO 20006KT 10SM OVC006 22/21 A3006 RMK AO2 T02200214 ## 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 20211230021529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20211230021529A), Dec 30, 2021: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, Bronson, FL, Substantial damage, 4 fatal. Aircraft N442VB took off from a private home around 2023. Minutes after departure the aircraft crashed, suffered substantial damage fatally injuring all… ## Docket (15 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 19, 2023, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=104462. 14.4 MB in all. - Interview summaries (item 1, PDF, 2 pages, 140 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14140132&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Record%20of%20Interview-witness-Rel.pdf - Witness video - departure (item 2, 3GP, 562 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14140751&FileExtension=3GP&FileName=video-Rel.3GP - Excerpts from pilot logbook (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 606 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14224523&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=pilot%20logbook-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 4.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14225298&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20logbook_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Meteorology specialist's factual report (item 5, PDF, 9 pages, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14057479&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WX_ERA22FA098_Specialists_Factual-Rel.pdf - Metars (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 126 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13937863&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Metar-Rel.pdf - ADS-B plot (item 7, JPG, 787 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14153168&FileExtension=jpg&FileName=flight%20track-Rel.jpg - ADS-B excel (item 8, XLSX, 327 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14222827&FileExtension=xlsx&FileName=20211231_A553E8_473085167_ADSB-Rel.xlsx - Main gearbox examination (item 9, PDF, 5 pages, 6 photos, 457 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13964324&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Component%20Examination%20Report-MGB%20(FINAL)-Rel.pdf - Investigative photos (item 10, PDF, 4 pages, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14140741&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigative%20Photo%27s-Rel.pdf - Wreckage examination summary (item 11, PDF, 2 pages, 149 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14249231&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Examination%20Notes-Rel.pdf - Toxicological report (item 12, PDF, 1 page, 164 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14140731&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=TOX_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 13, PDF, 1 page, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14140197&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=N442VB%20Wreckage%20Release_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Evidence control form (item 14, PDF, 1 page, 140 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14232442&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Evidence-Control-Form-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 15, PDF, 2 pages, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14176468&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Forms_Redacted-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.