# NTSB NYC88LA237: Robinson R-22, N47CS, W.Kingston, RI, September 17, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1988, 22:15 local (Sep 17, 1988, 02:15 UTC)
- Place: W.Kingston, RI
- Location: 41.4832° N, 71.5514° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of West Kingston, RI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4832&lon=-71.5514&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36228
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA237
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36228/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA237

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - contamination (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - restricted (cause)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID IT WAS A CLEAR, CALM NIGHT. WHEN HE GOT TO HIS HELICOPTER HE FOUND THE WINDSHIELD COVERED WITH A HEAVY DEW. HE CLEANED THE WINDSHIELD BUT DURING TAKEOFF THE DEW REFORMED ON THE WINDSHIELD AND HE LOST ALL VISUAL REFERENCES OUTSIDE THE HELICOPTER. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N47CS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N47CS-2013-07-16), registration cancelled 2013-07-16, S/N 0079, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- 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: 0079
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Charles F. Samson
- Registered owner: Charles Samson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, W. KINGSTON, RI
- Destination: NONE, WARWICK, RI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 223 total, 223 in this make and model, 161 as pilot in command, 52 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F

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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