# NTSB MIA94LA157: Robinson R-22, N16MT, Bunnell, FL, May 26, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1994, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Bunnell, FL
- Location: 29.4661° N, 81.2578° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Bunnell, FL, within about 7 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4661&lon=-81.2578&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 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37558
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA157
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37558/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA157

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS (CYCLIC/COLLECTIVE) RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT STATED HE WAS HOVERING AND WAS HIT BY A GUST OF WIND WHICH BLEW SAND INTO HIS FACE. WHILE LANDING THE RIGHT SKID AND TAILROTOR TOUCHED THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER BY THE FAA REVEALED THE TAILROTOR BLADES AND VERTICAL FIN SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. REVIEW OF WEATHER INFORMATION REVEALED NO RECORD OF TURBULENCE, DOWN DRAFTS, GUSTS, OR WIND SHEAR.

## Factual narrative

On May 26, 1994, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22, N16MT, registered to Malcolm Timmons, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, collided with the ground while landing at the Flagler County Airport, Bunnell, Florida. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot with ratings for airplane single engine land and multiengine land was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Daytona Beach Regional Airport. The accident was reported to the NTSB on June 8, 1994, by the FAA.

A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, was mailed to the pilot on June 10, 1994, and was delivered to the pilot on June 13, 1994. The report was not returned as required by 14 CFR Part 830. The pilot wrote in a statement to International Helicopter Academy Inc., on May 26, 1994, that while hovering, he was hit by a gust of wind on the right side of the helicopter which blew sand into his face. While landing the helicopter the right hand skid dug into the ground, and the tailrotor touched the ground. Review of weather information obtained from the FAA at the time of the accident revealed no recorded record of turbulence, down drafts, gusts, or wind shear.

The registered owner stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report that the helicopter sustained minor damage. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA revealed the tailrotor blades and vertical fin sustained damage. The manufacturer stated that if the vertical fin or dorsal fin is damaged, it must be replaced. Damage removal or distortion will substantially change the flight characteristics of the helicopter. In addition, the registered owner stated the helicopter was leased to International Helicopter Academy Inc., at the time of the accident. This was not substantiated by International Helicopter Academy Inc.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16MT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16MT-2014-12-09), registration cancelled 2014-12-09, S/N 0062 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 62
- Airframe hours: 963
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 127 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Timmons,  Malcolm
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 15, 1994, 60 hours before
- Departed: DAB, DAYTONA BEACH, FL
- Airport: X47, Flagler  County  Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: right; flight hours: 1,985 total, 31 in this make and model, 1,910 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 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 19940526016189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940526016189A), May 26, 1994: Robsin R22BETA, Bunnell, FL, Substantial damage. Right skid dug in on landing. Rocked back and tail rotor hit ground.

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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