# NTSB FTW86FRG09: Robinson R22 HT, N9074U, Sonora, TX, December 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: December 23, 1985, 16:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Sonora, TX
- Coordinates: 30.56998, -100.639381 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5700&lon=-100.6394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21963
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FRG09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21963/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FRG09

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, climb
  - object - wire,transmission
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - reduced, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE TERRAIN IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AFTER COLLIDING WITH POWER LINES DURING A CLIMBING TURN TO THE WEST. THE PLT REPORTED HE COULD NOT SEE THE POWER LINES BECAUSE OF GLARE FROM THE SETTING SUN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9074U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9074U-1992-02-19), registration cancelled 1992-02-19, S/N 0245 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22 HT
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0245
- Airframe hours: 610
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tryon Lewis Fields
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1985, 66 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 182 total, 158 in this make and model, 134 as pilot in command, 182 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19851223063499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851223063499A), Dec 23, 1985: Robsin R22, Sonora, TX, Substantial damage. While making a climbing turn into sun aircraft struck powerlines. Impacted 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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