# NTSB MIA92FA072: Robinson R-22 Beta, N2313G, Malabar, FL, January 30, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 30, 1992, 13:55 local (18:55 UTC)
- Place: Malabar, FL
- Coordinates: 27.980619, -80.579559 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9806&lon=-80.5796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 2, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32979
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92FA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32979/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92FA072

## Probable cause

A DIVERGENCE OF THE MAIN ROTOR FROM ITS NORMAL PLANE OF ROTATION FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON WHICH RESULTED IN MAST BUMPING AND A MAIN ROTOR BLADE CONTACT WITH THE COCKPIT AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - rotor system,main rotor - diverged
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - mast bumping - encountered
  - fuselage,cabin - blade strike
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE CFI AND THE RATED STUDENT PILOT WERE IN LEVEL FLIGHT WHEN ONE ROTOR BLADE STRUCK THE CABIN AREA. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED. FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENCE, MAST BUMPING, AND FRACTURE OF THE MAIN ROTOR MAST. EXAMINATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS REVEALED OVERLOAD FRACTURES OF THE CYCLIC AND COLLECTIVE CONTROL TUBES. THE CFI HAD COMPLETED AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT WITH ANOTHER STUDENT 1/2 HOUR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE STUDENT STATED THEY MAINTAINED A 70 KNOT CRUISE SPEED AND PERFORMED TURNS MAINTAINING ALTITUDE AND HEADING, AND THE CFI DEMONSTATED LOW ROTOR RPM AND RECOVERIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2313G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2313G-2013-07-16), registration cancelled 2013-07-16, S/N 2015, built 1991 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2015
- Airframe hours: 86
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Melbourne Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Medicopter Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, November 20, 1991, 86 hours before
- Departed: MLB, MELBOURNE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land, multi-engine sea; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,929 total, 9 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLB, 4 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 19920130001409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920130001409A), Jan 30, 1992: Robsin R22BETA, Malabar, FL, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Low and slow in turbulence from gusty surface wind. Mast bumping indicated. Rotor hit cabin. The R22 fell into tree

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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