# NTSB NYC02LA157: Robinson R-44, N44EK, Atlantic City, NJ, August 3, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 3, 2002, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Atlantic City, NJ - Coordinates: 39.354721, -74.417503 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3547&lon=-74.4175&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 17, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO-17 - NTSB case key (mKey): 55427 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC02LA157 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55427/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA157 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper flare during approach. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause) - object - fence ## Analysis The pilot stated that while on final approach to the heliport, the wind shifted, which resulted in a higher sink rate and ground speed. To compensate, the pilot flared "harder" than normal, and the tail rotor struck the heliport perimeter fence. The reported wind speed at an airport approximately 10 miles away was from 130 degrees at 8 knots, with no gusts. ## Factual narrative On August 3, 2002, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-44, N44EK, was substantially damaged while landing at the Steel Pier Heliport (92N), Atlantic City, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the commercial sightseeing flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he was completing a 3-minute sightseeing flight. During his final approach to the heliport, the wind shifted, which resulted in a higher than normal sink rate. Additionally, a higher than anticipated ground speed caused the pilot to flare "harder." Subsequently, the tail rotor struck the heliport perimeter fence, and the helicopter began to spin. However, the pilot was able to land the helicopter uneventfully at the heliport. The pilot added that prior to the collision, he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the tail rotor and gearbox had separated from the helicopter. The reported winds at an airport approximately 10 miles west of the accident site, at 1654, were from 130 degrees at 8 knots, with no gusts. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N44EK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N44EK), registered now, S/N 0690 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R-44 - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44) (registry code 7640120) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 0690C - Airframe hours: 1006 - Engines: Lycoming O-540 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Helicopter Services and Instruction - Registered owner: LBR Air LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, July 12, 2002, 76 hours before - Departed: 92N, Atlantic City, NJ - Destination: 92N, NJ - Airport: 92N, Steel Pier Heliport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review May 9, 2002; seat: right; flight hours: 6,200 total, 1,800 in this make and model, 5,950 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 30.13 inHg - Observed at: ACY, 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 20020803037699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020803037699A), Aug 3, 2002: Robsin R44, Atlantic City, NJ, Substantial damage. (-23) During an approach to landing at hte Atlantic City Steel Pier Heliport, a Robinson R-44, N44EK, tail rotor struck the helipad perimeter safety net,… ## Other investigations on N44EK (2) 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. - [NTSB ERA17LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA116), Feb 24, 2017: Robinson Helicopter R44 (N44EK), Chatham, NJ, substantial damage. Probable cause: Maintenance personnel's improper installation and inspection of the crankshaft gear bolt during major overhaul, which resulted in the crankshaft gear disengaging from the accessory gears of the… - [NTSB NYC06LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA035), Dec 18, 2005: Robinson R44 (N44EK), Linden, NJ, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.