# NTSB NYC89LA110: Robinson R-22B, N2553X, Farmingdale, NY, March 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 29, 1989, 14:55 local (19:55 UTC)
- Place: Farmingdale, NY
- Coordinates: 40.660324, -73.409812 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6603&lon=-73.4098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36391
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA110
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36391/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA110

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONTROL THE ALTITUDE OF THE HELICOPTER WHILE DEMONSTRATING A QUICK STOP MANEUVER TO A STUDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, maneuvering
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Roll over, maneuvering

## Analysis

DURING A QUICK STOP DEMONSTRATION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT SKIDS HIT THE GROUND HARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL AND BROKE IT OFF. THE HELICOPTER THEN ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE AND CAME TO REST. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE 'APPARENTLY GOT TOO LOW' DURING THE DEMONSTRATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2553X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2553X-2013-07-08), registration cancelled 2013-07-08, S/N 0613 (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: 613
- Airframe hours: 1896
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-BC 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pittman Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 24, 1988
- Departed: FRG, FARMINGDALE, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 870 total, 848 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890329004949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890329004949A), Mar 29, 1989: Robsin R22BETA, Farmingdale, NY, Substantial damage. Skids hit the ground during a demo of quick stop maneuver by the flight instructor. Main rotors chopped tailboom.

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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