# NTSB FTW95LA198: Robinson R-22B, N8067M, Mount Pleasant, TX, May 13, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 13, 1995, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Mount Pleasant, TX
- Coordinates: 33.159687, -94.96997 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1597&lon=-94.9700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 6, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19416
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19416/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA198

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND COMPONENT. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING A VFR APPROACH TO AN OPEN FIELD THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE GROUND WITH THE LEFT SKID AND ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE APPROACH WAS MADE WITH WINDS OF 17 KNOTS GUSTING TO 22 KNOTS. THE LANDING WAS MADE TO THE SOUTH AND WINDS WERE FROM 220 DEGREES.

## Factual narrative

On May 13, 1995, at 1130 central daylight time, a Robinson R-22B, N8067M, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during landing near Mount Pleasant, Texas.  The commercial pilot was not injured during this personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed flight and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 flight.

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that during landing he experienced "loss of tail rotor effectiveness."  The pilot further reported in his Pilot/Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that during his landing his left skid contacted the ground and the helicopter experienced "dynamic rollover."  An examination of the helicopter by the FAA inspector revealed that both main rotor blades "bent" and one tail rotor blade separated from the tail rotor.

A review of the weather and direction of landing revealed that the pilot attempted to land to the south. Winds were from 220 degrees with a velocity of 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

An examination of the helicopter by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed no anomalies in the aircraft systems that could have resulted in a loss of control.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8067M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8067M-1996-06-13), registration cancelled 1996-06-13, S/N 1272 (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: 1272
- Airframe hours: 1229
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sky Helicopters
- Registered owner: Player Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 20, 1995, 83 hours before
- Departed: MSA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 273 total, 209 in this make and model, 220 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 17 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRX, 48 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 19950513011689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950513011689A), May 13, 1995: Robsin R22BETA, Mt Pleasant, TX, Substantial damage. Lost tail rotor effectiveness. Landing a skid hit first. Caused dynamic rollover. Gusty crosswind a factor.

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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