# NTSB NYC89LA068: Robinson R-22HP, N9021M, Ronkonkoma, NY, January 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1989, 13:04 local (18:04 UTC)
- Place: Ronkonkoma, NY
- Coordinates: 40.800243, -73.120193 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8002&lon=-73.1202&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36365
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36365/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA068

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS AND A RESULTING LOW ROTOR RPM CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ROBINSON R-22HP TOOK OFF AND CRASHED ON THE AIRPORT IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING AIRBORNE. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES AND THE PILOT SAID HE DID NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE MAIN ROTOR EXHIBITED SIGNS OF LOW ROTOR RPM AND THE FUSELAGE SHOWED SIGNS OF HIGH VERTICAL IMPACT FORCES. THE MAIN ROTOR HEAD AND THE FREEWHEELING CLUTCH WERE BOTH FREE TO ROTATE. NO EVIDENCE OF CONTROL MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9021M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9021M-1991-02-15), registration cancelled 1991-02-15, S/N 0021 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22HP
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0021
- Airframe hours: 3499
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: American Helicopters Inc
- Registered owner: Suffolk Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 26, 1988, 72 hours before
- Destination: HWV, SHIRLEY, NY
- Airport: ISP, Long Island Macarthur

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 360 total, 345 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ISP

## 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 19890118000889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890118000889A), Jan 18, 1989: Robsin R22, Islip, NY, Substantial damage. Indicates collective too high on takeoff,rotor RPM decayed. Impacted high vertical force.

## Other investigations on N9021M (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 FTW80FRJ15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW80FRJ15), May 1, 1980: Robinson R-22 (N9021M), Shreveport, LA, substantial damage

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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