# NTSB NYC87LA139: Robinson R-22B, N2442A, Valatie, NY, May 2, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1987, 13:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Valatie, NY
- Coordinates: 42.410057, -73.669319 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4101&lon=-73.6693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30640
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30640/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA139

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE ROBINSON R-22B TOOK OFF FROM A OPEN FIELD, TRAVELED 600 FEET AND STRUCK SUSPENDED UTILITY LINES AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 FT. AFTERWARD, THE HELICOPTER WAS LANDED SUCCESSFULLY. OTHER LINES WERE APPROXIMATELY 1000 FT FROM THE DEPARTURE POINT. THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE MORE DISTANT LINES, HOWEVER, HE WAS NOT AWARE OF THE CLOSER SET OF LINES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2442A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2442A-2018-01-17), registration cancelled 2018-01-17, S/N 0587 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22B
- 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: 587
- Airframe hours: 385
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Eagle Helicopters,Inc.
- Registered owner: Morristown Helicopter Svc. Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: N24, SPRING VALLEY, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,298 total, 88 in this make and model, 2,187 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °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 19870502016699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870502016699A), May 2, 1987: Robsin R22BETA, Valatie, NY, Substantial damage. Struck a utility line on takeoff line was hidden in trees. Helicopter settled to the ground.

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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