# NTSB NYC91LA132: Robinson R22, N2603H, Groveland, MA, May 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 12, 1991, 18:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Groveland, MA
- Location: 42.7604° N, 71.0314° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Groveland, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7604&lon=-71.0314&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36925
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36925/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA132

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose down, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING WATER LANDINGS/HOVERING IN A HELICOPTER. HE SAID THAT WHILE ON APPROACH, THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED QUICKLY, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO PREVENT A FRONT SKID FROM CONTACTING THE WATER. THE HELICOPTER NOSED OVER. THE PILOT REPORTED THE WINDS WERE STEADY IN VELOCITY AND VARIABLE IN DIRECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2603H (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 691M
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Geoffrey D. Wyler
- Registered owner: Geoffrey D. Wyler
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: LWM, NORTH ANDOVER, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,406 total, 227 in this make and model, 1,240 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 12 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 7 statute miles

## 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 19910512015209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910512015209A), May 12, 1991: Robsin R22MARINER, Groveland, MA, Substantial damage. While hovering for water landing got a downdraft. Float hit a wave. Helicopter flipped upside down.

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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