# NTSB MIA82FA115: Robinson R-22, N90249, Ft. Pierce, FL, May 1, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 1, 1982, 11:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: Ft. Pierce, FL
- Location: 27.4975° N, 80.3726° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at TREASURE COAST INTL (FPR), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.4975&lon=-80.3726&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 1, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Safety recommendations: Yes
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70790
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA82FA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70790/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA82FA115

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PERFORMING AUTOROTATIONS WITH 180 DEGREE TURNS TERMINATING WITH POWER RECOVERIES. AT ABOUT 200 FEET, AFTER COMPLETION OF THE TURN, THE INSTRUCTOR HEARD A RATTLING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A MEDIUM FREQUENCY VIBRATION. THE INSTRUCTOR TOOK THE CONTROLS AND COMPLETED THE LANDING BUT THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO THE LEFT SIDE WHEN POWER WAS APPLIED TO CUSHION THE TOUCHDOWN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVESHAFT SEPARATED AT THE FORWARD FLEX COUPLING ATTACHMENT. AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT THE MANUFACTURER SENT MESSAGES TO ALL KNOWN OPERATORS OF THE AIRCRAFT CALLING FOR REINSPECTION OF THE LONG TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT BEFORE FURTHER FLIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE FACTORY WAS REPORTED TO BE INVOLVED IN A PROGRAM TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS THAT WOULD PERMANENTLY CORRECT THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FAILURES OF THE LONG TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFTS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor drive shaft - separation (cause)
  - autorotation - attempted, dual student
  - acft/equip,inadequate airframe, manufacturer (cause)
  - power on landing - attempted, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90249](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N90249), registered now, S/N 0039 (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: 0039
- Airframe hours: 509
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2D 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Pro-Flite Of Vero Beach, Inc
- Registered owner: Vanir Avco Leasing
- Departed: VERO BEACH, FL
- Destination: VERO BEACH, FL
- Airport: FPR, St. Lucie County, runway 9, 5,000 × 200 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,709 total, 851 in this make and model, 1,565 as pilot in command, 274 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 174 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB, 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 19820501015019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820501015019A), May 1, 1982: Robsin R22, Ft Pierce, FL, Substantial damage. Tail rotor drive system failed during practice autorotation. Helicopter rolled over on landing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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