# NTSB MIA91GA211: Robinson R-22 Beta, N4022D, Lake City, FL, August 30, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1991, 14:50 local (18:50 UTC)
- Place: Lake City, FL
- Coordinates: 30.189746, -82.63906 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1897&lon=-82.6391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32764
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA91GA211
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32764/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91GA211

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT DUE TO HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION TO OBSERVE AND ENTER THE LOCATION OF AN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA PATCH INTO THE ON BOARD LORAN UNIT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - guy wire
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FLYING AN ADMINISTRATIVE FLIGHT IN THE HELICOPTER STRUCK AN ANTENNA GUY WIRE AND CRASHED.  EXAMINATION OF THE ON BOARD LORAN REVEALED RECENTLY ENTERED COORDINATES NEAR THE ACCIDENT SCENE THAT WHEN INVESTIGATED REVEALED AN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA FIELD TO BE PRESENT.  INTERVIEWS WITH FELLOW WORKERS REVEALED THAT THE PILOT ROUTINELY CONDUCTED SEARCH MISSIONS EVEN WHILE ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4022D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4022D-1992-12-07), registration cancelled 1992-12-07, S/N 1431 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22 BETA
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1431
- Airframe hours: 792
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Public aircraft, Public use
- Operator: State Of Florida
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 8, 1991, 88 hours before
- Destination: TLH, TALLAHASSEE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,601 total, 1,200 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GNV, 23 nm away

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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