# NTSB MIA82DA105: Robinson R-22, N9033B, Vero Beach, FL, April 21, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1982, 14:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Vero Beach, FL
- Coordinates: 27.64019, -80.390487 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.6402&lon=-80.3905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72925
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA82DA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72925/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA82DA105

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS AIR TAXIED TO THE FUEL PUMP FOR REFUELING. THE AIRCREW REMAINED IN THE HELICOPTER WHILE THE LINEMAN SERVICED THE FUEL TANK. AFTER REFUELING AND STARTING THE ENGINE, THE INSTRUCTOR WAS AT THE CONTROLS WHILE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE PUMPS. HE REPORTED HEARING A "THUD" WHEN THE HELICOPTER HAD MOVED ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE PUMPS AND THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD JAMMED. THE PILOTS THOUGHT THEY HAD EXPERIENCED SOME MALFUNCTION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM. THEY REPORTED THAT THE HELICOPTER GYRATED LEFT AND RIGHT BEFORE CRASHING AFTER THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT DURING REFUELING OPERATIONS, A GROUND WIRE WAS NORMALLY CLIPPED TO A TAB ON THE LANDING SKID. THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR THE FLIGHT SCHOOL BELIEVED THAT THE GROUND WIRE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN REMOVED. HOWEVER, THE LINEMAN WAS POSITIVE HE HAD REMOVED THE GROUND WIRE, AND A WITNESS STATED NO WIRE WAS ATTACHED. NO PREIMPACT FAILURE WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9033B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9033B-2012-11-19), registration cancelled 2012-11-19, S/N 0053, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0053
- Airframe hours: 212
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Pro-Flite Of Vero, Inc.
- Registered owner: Pro-Flite Of Vero, Inc.
- Departed: VRB, VERO BEACH, FL
- Destination: VRB, VERO BEACH, FL
- Airport: VRB, Vero Beach Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 800 total, 98 in this make and model, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Temperature: 190 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB

## 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 19820421010479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820421010479A), Apr 21, 1982: Robsin R22, Vero Beach, FL, Substantial damage. Accident occurred because pilots and lineman failed to remove ground wire after refueling.

## Other investigations on N9033B (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC86LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA233), Sep 9, 1986: Robinson R22 (N9033B), Sterling, MA, substantial damage

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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