# NTSB MIA96TA127: Robinson R-22, N8315R, Kissimmee, FL, April 22, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 22, 1996, 12:09 local (16:09 UTC)
- Place: Kissimmee, FL
- Location: 28.2898° N, 81.4371° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at KISSIMMEE GATEWAY (ISM), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.2898&lon=-81.4371&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 22, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38099
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96TA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38099/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96TA127

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper use of the helicopter's flight controls which led to an inadvertent loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a hover.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover - in ground effect
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - loss of tail rotor effectiveness - inadvertent, pilot in command
- Roll over, hover - in ground effect

## Analysis

The pilot attempted a pedal turn while at a hover and stated he lost tail rotor effectiveness. The helicopter then spun to the right and rolled over. The pilot stated he had about 66 hours in this make and model helicopter.

## Factual narrative

On April 22, 1996, about 1209 eastern daylight time, N8315R, a Robinson R-22, operated by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office as a public-use flight crashed while hovering at the Kissimmee Airport, Kissimmee, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and observer reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that while at a hover, attempting a pedal turn to the right,he lost tail rotor effectiveness and the helicopter rolled over on its side and crashed.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8315R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8315R), registered now, S/N 2475, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R-22
- 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: 2475
- Airframe hours: 659
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Registered owner: Osceola County Sheriffs Office
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 12, 1996, 59 hours before
- Departed: ISM
- Airport: ISM, Kissimmee

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 4,892 total, 66 in this make and model, 4,605 as pilot in command, 98 in the last 90 days, 49 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCO, 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 19960422035809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960422035809A), Apr 22, 1996: Robsin R22BETA, Kissimmee, FL, Substantial damage. Public use aircraft. Lost tail rotor effect during hover, attempted pedal turn. Rolled over and crashed.

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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