# NTSB SEA89LA100: Robinson R-22, N8022Q, Prineville, OR, June 5, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1989, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Prineville, OR
- Coordinates: 44.099693, -120.660316 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0997&lon=-120.6603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41024
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA100
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41024/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA100

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS, RESULTING IN THE TAIL ROTOR IMPACTING A ROAD SIGN AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover
  - object - sign
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, hover
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO READ ROAD SIGNS TO DETERMINE HIS LOCATION, THE AIRCRAFT TAILROTOR STRUCK A ROAD SIGN AND ANTITORQUE CONTROL WAS LOST. THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN SPINNING TO THE RIGHT AND IMPACTED IN THE ROAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8022Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8022Q-1990-04-04), registration cancelled 1990-04-04, S/N 1018 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1018
- Airframe hours: 53
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dennis Burns
- Registered owner: Antone Manufacturing, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, June 1, 1989, 3 hours before
- Departed: S39, PRINEVILLE, OR
- Destination: MITCHELL, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 95 total, 95 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command, 63 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDM, 42 nm away

## 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 19890605014359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890605014359A), Jun 5, 1989: Robsin R22, Prineville, OR, Substantial damage. Landed on dirt road. Dropped to ground on takeoff. On second attempt hit sign,severed tail rotor. Spun, rolled over

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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