# NTSB NYC82FA053: Robinson R22, N9079M, Spangler, PA, March 12, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 12, 1982, 13:13 local (18:13 UTC)
- Place: Spangler, PA
- Coordinates: 40.629169, -78.789611 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6292&lon=-78.7896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72657
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82FA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72657/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82FA053

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A SET OF NORTH-SOUTH POWERLINES WHILE THE PILOT WAS PATROLLING A SET OF EAST-WEST POWERLINES. THE POWERLINES BEING PATROLLED PASSED UNDER THE LINES THAT WERE STRUCK. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OVER HILLY, WOODED TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9079M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0049
- Airframe hours: 985
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Muth Aircraft Company
- Registered owner: Williams Aircraft Leasing
- Departed: NEWRY, PA
- Destination: INDIANA, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial, flight instructor; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,690 total, 1,405 in this make and model, 2,370 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 129 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JST, 18 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 19820312003899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820312003899A), Mar 12, 1982: Robsin R22, Spangler, PA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Rotor blades struck a crossing powerline that was being patrolled. Vertical 80 feet drop demolished helicopter.

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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