# NTSB NYC86LA013: Robinson R22A, N9069G, Sterling, MA, October 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 18, 1985, 09:25 local (13:25 UTC)
- Place: Sterling, MA
- Location: 42.4259° N, 71.7929° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at STERLING (3B3), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4259&lon=-71.7929&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30250
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30250/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA013

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, hover
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE CFI ALLOWED THE STUDENT WHO WAS IN A HOVER MANEUVER TO LOSE ROTOR RPM. THE HELICOPTER DRIFT REARWARD, THE LEFT REAR SKID DUG INTO THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. RPM DECAYED SO BADLY THAT THE HELICOPTER COULD NOT RESPOND TO RECOVERY CONTROL INPUTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9069G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9069G-2014-10-28), registration cancelled 2014-10-28, S/N 0178, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22A
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0178
- Airframe hours: 2396
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Aviation Training Academy
- Registered owner: Howie Fuller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 3B3, STERLING, MA
- Airport: 3B3, Sterling

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 4,450 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 4,100 as pilot in command, 160 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19851018052769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851018052769A), Oct 18, 1985: Robsin R22, Sterling, MA, Substantial damage. Instructor failed to correct student in time to prevent drift during hover. Rolled onto side after skid hit turf.

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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