# NTSB FTW85FPJ02: Robinson R-22A, N8556C, Mcalester, OK, May 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1985, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Mcalester, OK
- Location: 34.9261° N, 95.7736° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of McAlester, OK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9261&lon=-95.7736&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FPJ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FPJ02

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - animal(s) (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose down, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS USING THE HELICOPTER TO ROUND UP CATTLE. ONE COW CHARGED THE HELICOPTER AND STRUCK THE TAIL ROTOR. THE HELICOPTER PITCHED NOSE DOWN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8556C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8556C-2011-01-07), registration cancelled 2011-01-07, S/N 0450, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22A
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 450
- Airframe hours: 366
- Engines: LYCOMING UKN 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mills Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,866 total, 341 in this make and model, 200 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles

## 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 19850508017039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850508017039A), May 8, 1985: Robsin R22ALPHA, Mcalester, OK, Substantial damage. While rounding up cattle,one charged aircraft striking tail rotor. Aircraft ditched nose down and rotors hit ground

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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