# NTSB NYC87LA122: Robinson R22, N85570, Pottstown, PA, April 12, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 12, 1987, 03:30 local (08:30 UTC)
- Place: Pottstown, PA
- Coordinates: 40.249549, -75.639358 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2495&lon=-75.6394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30627
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA122
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30627/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA122

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING LANDING APPROACH TO RUNWAY 28, GROUND FOG WAS ENCOUNTERED AND THE PILOT OVERSHOT HIS INTENDED TOUCHDOWN POINT. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SLOWED THE AIRSPEED TO ZERO MPH AND THE ACFT STARTED TO SHAKE AND FALL EVEN THOUGH THE MOTOR AND ROTOR WERE AT 100% RPM. THE HELICOPTER WAS BETWEEN 5 AND 8 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND WHEN IT FELL VERTICALLY RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N85570](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N85570-1993-12-27), registration cancelled 1993-12-27, S/N 0465 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0465
- Airframe hours: 1320
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Burkard Enterprises,Inc.
- Registered owner: Burkard Enterprises Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MANASSAS, VA
- Destination: POTTSTOWN, PA
- Airport: N46, Limerick, runway 28, 3,421 × 58 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 220 total, 84 in this make and model, 52 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F

## 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 19870412009199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870412009199A), Apr 12, 1987: Robsin R22ALPHA, Pottstown, PA, Substantial damage. Lost lift on approach to intended touchdown point. Aircraft fell vertically to the ground from height of eight feet

## Other investigations on N85570 (1)

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 MIA92LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA073), Jan 31, 1992: Robinson R-22 Alpha (N85570), Juno Beach, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER COLLECTIVE AND CYCLIC CONTROL INPUTS AND POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING DECISION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND.

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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