# NTSB SEA87LA175: Robinson R-22, N8379Z, Tukwila, WA, August 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1987, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Tukwila, WA
- Location: 47.4763° N, 122.2757° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Tukwila, WA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4763&lon=-122.2757&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40685
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40685/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA175

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - door - not secured (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN A FIELD AND AT ABOUT 3 FEET AGL, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE RIGHT CABIN DOOR. DUE TO THE DISTRACTION THE PILOT ALLOWED THE REAR SKIDS TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND A HARD LANDING RESULTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8379Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8379Z), registered now, S/N 0491, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 ALPHA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-alpha) (registry code 7640104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 491
- Airframe hours: 1849
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 124 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Peter Riesselmann
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 24, 1987, 47 hours before
- Departed: BFI, SEATTLE, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 303 total, 84 in this make and model, 234 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870823083059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870823083059A), Aug 23, 1987: Robsin R22ALPHA, Tukwila, WA, Substantial damage. Attempted to secure right door while hovering 3 ft AGL. Allowed aircraft to hit ground hard in tail low attitude.

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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