# NTSB SEA91FA075: Robinson R-22 Beta, N2631V, Seattle, WA, March 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 31, 1991, 15:02 local (23:02 UTC)
- Place: Seattle, WA
- Coordinates: 47.539482, -122.310264 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5395&lon=-122.3103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41311
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91FA075
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41311/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA075

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT BY THE PILOT DUE TO HIS IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PREPARATION IN FAILING TO SECURE CARGO WHICH SHIFTED IN FLIGHT AND INTERFERED WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL STICK.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - cargo/baggage - loose (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - cargo/baggage (cause)
  - control interference - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ON VFR FINAL APPR AT 100 FT AGL WHEN IT ROLLED OVER, DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED, AND IMPACTED THE ROOF OF A WHSE.  THE IMPACT BROKE A SKYLIGHT IN THE ROOF AND THE ACFT FELL THROUGH THE HOLE, COMING TO REST INSIDE THE WHSE. ROCKS, HAND TOOLS, AND A LARGE UNSECURED TREE STUMP WERE IN THE ACFT CABIN.  THE STUMP HAD A FRESH SCAR AND BLACK PAINT SMEARS ADJACENT TO THE CYCLIC CONTROL STICK.  A SCREW HEAD IN THE BLACK CYCLIC STICK WAS FILLED WITH WOOD SPLINTERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2631V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2631V-1992-10-26), registration cancelled 1992-10-26, S/N 0776 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22 BETA
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0776
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Classic Helicopter Corp.
- Registered owner: Classic Helicopter Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, SNOQUALMIE, WA
- Destination: BFI, SEATTLE, WA
- Airport: BFI, Boeing Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 9,743 total, 7,661 in this make and model, 9,424 as pilot in command, 211 in the last 90 days, 66 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19910331007869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910331007869A), Mar 31, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Seattle, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Rolled over and crashed into a warehouse near airport. Beleive tree stump roots in cockpit interfered with cylic.

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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