# NTSB NYC91LA130: Robinson R-22B, N496TP, Ellington, CT, May 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 12, 1991, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Ellington, CT
- Location: 41.9254° N, 72.4571° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at ELLINGTON (7B9), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9254&lon=-72.4571&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36923
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36923/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA130

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND HIS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WINDS, WHILE MANEUVERING CLOSE TO THE GROUND. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ADVERSE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS HOVERING ABOUT 3 TO 4 FEET ABOVE THE GRASS.  A STATIONARY RIGHT TURN WAS STARTED.  THE PILOT SAID, '[I] CONTINUED TO TURN SLOWLY UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT ACCELERATED IN THE TURN SHARPLY.  [I] IMMEDIATELY APPLIED FULL LEFT PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE PEDAL STOP...THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO SPIN WITHOUT SLOWING...'  THE FAA INSPECTOR SAID, '...PROBABLY DUE TO A GUST OF WIND, THE PILOT...WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE SPIN...BEFORE THE REAR...SKID CONTACTED THE GROUND...[THEN] THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND.'  THE CONTROLS WERE CHECKED FOR CONTINUITY AND NO MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.  THE WIND AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 18 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 26 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N496TP](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N496TP), registered now, S/N 1646, built 1991 (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: 1646
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tekton Preux Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Tekton Preux Helicopters Inc.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: BED, BEDFORD, MA
- Airport: 7B9, Ellington

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 341 total, 171 in this make and model, 249 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19910512034779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910512034779A), May 12, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Ellington, CT, Substantial damage. Lost tail rotor authority while hovering in strong crosswind. Unable to stop spin. Hit skids and tail on 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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