# NTSB FTW91LA138: Robinson R22 Beta, N23TV, Wylie, TX, August 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1991, 12:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Wylie, TX
- Coordinates: 33.040008, -96.510437 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0400&lon=-96.5104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23381
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23381/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA138

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE WATER. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS OBSERVED FLYING HIS RENTED HELICOPTER AT A LOW ALTITUDE OVER A LAKE NEAR SEVERAL BOATERS. HE LANDED ON AN ISLAND TO CHECK ON A VIBRATION. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE HELICOPTER WAS MANEUVERED CLOSE TO THE WATER. THE SKIDS CONTACTED THE WATER AND THE HELICOPTER SANK. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED. THE PILOT AND OWNER DID NOT REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO ANY FEDERAL AGENCY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N23TV (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22 BETA
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1366
- Airframe hours: 926
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Heli Tex Inc.
- Registered owner: Heli Tex Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 26, 1991, 29 hours before
- Departed: 76F, WILLS POINT, TX
- Destination: NONE, GARLAND, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 84 total, 84 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19910801031179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910801031179A), Aug 1, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Wylie, TX, Substantial damage. Skids struck water while flying low near boaters and skiers on lake. Skids dug in. Helicopter flipped and sank.

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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