# NTSB NYC90LA100: Robinson R-22, N24577, Lawrence, MA, May 3, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1990, 08:05 local (12:05 UTC)
- Place: Lawrence, MA
- Location: 42.7003° N, 71.1614° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Lawrence, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7003&lon=-71.1614&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36639
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA100
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36639/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA100

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - rotor system,tail rotor blade - separation

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD JUST LIFTED TO A HOVER WHEN THE HELICOPTER STARTED YAWING RAPIDLY TO THE RIGHT. THE PILOT LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE, LANDED ON SOFT GROUND AND BENT THE LANDING SKID. THE HELICOPTER THEN ROCKED REARWARD, CAUSING A TAIL ROTOR BLADE TO STRIKE THE GROUND AND SEPARATE FROM THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24577](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24577-2017-05-15), registration cancelled 2017-05-15, S/N 583M, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 MARINER](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-mariner) (registry code 7640115) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 583M
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: N.E. Business Helicopters,Inc.
- Registered owner: Uknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 893 total, 320 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19900503016479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900503016479A), May 3, 1990: Robsin R22MARINER, Lawrence, MA, Substantial damage. Lost tail rotor effectiveness on liftoff to a hover. Failed to correct yaw. Impacted in spin. Bent skid tail rotor.

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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