# NTSB FTW82FA071: Robinson R22, N9061Z, San Marcos, TX, February 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1982, 08:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: San Marcos, TX
- Coordinates: 29.879573, -97.919082 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8796&lon=-97.9191&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72506
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72506/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FA071

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - underconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - rotor system,tail rotor blade - overload (cause)
  - rotor system,tail rotor blade - failure,total (cause)
  - rotor system,tail rotor blade - undetermined (cause)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - overload (cause)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - failure,total (cause)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED ROTATING IN A COUNTER CLOCKWISE MOTION. A SMALL EXPLOSION WAS SEEN AT THE TAIL SECTION WITH PIECES FLYING OFF. THE OUTBOARD SECTIONS OF THE T/R BLADES WERE FOUND ABOUT 800 FT FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE FRACTURES INDICATES A HIGHLY ABNORMAL STRESS CONDITION WAS PRODUCED IN THE T/R. THE AUSTIN FSS WAS REPORTING WIND GUSTS OF 27K.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9061Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9061Z-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N 0145, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- 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: 145
- Airframe hours: 119
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Tejas Helicopters Of Austin
- Registered owner: Tejas Helicopters Of Austin
- Departed: AUSTIN, TX
- Destination: SAN ANTONIO, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,500 total, 400 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 113 °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 19820226000879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820226000879A), Feb 26, 1982: Robsin R22, San Marcos, TX, Destroyed. Helicopter crashed out of control along expressway. Witness observed aircraft rotating prior to impact.

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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