# NTSB FTW91LA053: Robinson R-22B, N8050B, Spring, TX, March 28, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1991, 13:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Spring, TX
- Coordinates: 30.040313, -95.529029 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0403&lon=-95.5290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23313
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23313/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA053

## Probable cause

POWER LOSS DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE, THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT, AND HIS FAILURE TO APPLY ADEQUATE CUSHIONING COLLECTIVE PITCH DURING THE FLARE SEGMENT OF THE AUTOROTATION.  A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER AUTOROTATION TECHNIQUE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE, THE PILOT FAILED TO APPLY CARBURETOR HEAT IN AN EFFORT TO REGAIN POWER. DURING THE FORCED LANDING TO A RESIDENTIAL AREA THE STUDENT PILOT DID NOT APPLY APPROPRIATE COLLECTIVE CUSHIONING PITCH RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER LANDING HARD AS THE TAIL ROTOR AND MAIN ROTOR STRUCK A TREE. TEMPERATURE/DEW POINT WERE 78/67 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8050B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8050B-1993-01-14), registration cancelled 1993-01-14, S/N 1136 (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: 1136
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Heliicopters International
- Departed: DWH, TOMBALL, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 233 total, 53 in this make and model, 144 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Observed at: DWH, 10 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 19910328007809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910328007809A), Mar 28, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Spring, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power over residential area. Autorotated but tail rotor was severed by trees. Had failed to use carb heat.

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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