# NTSB SEA91LA078: Robinson R22 Beta, N24176, Kent, WA, April 6, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 6, 1991, 11:24 local (19:24 UTC)
- Place: Kent, WA
- Coordinates: 47.390388, -122.260955 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3904&lon=-122.2610&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41406
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41406/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA078

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION TO CORRECT THE IMMINENT DYNAMIC ROLLOVER.  FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S POORLY PLANNED APPROACH AND LACK OF TOTOAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

## 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
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING A SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE PILOT WAS PRACTIICNG HOVER TO LANDING MANEUVERS.  DURING THE LANDING, THE PILOT NOTED THAT THE HELICOPTER'S ATTITUDE WAS TITLED TO THE LEFT. THE PILOT APPLIED RIGHT CYCLIC TO STABILIZE THE HOVER. HOWEVER, THE LEFT SKID CONTACTED THE GROUND.  THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO ROLL TO THE LEFT AND CAME TO REST ON ITS SIDE.  THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHAANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE HELICOPTER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24176](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24176-1991-12-23), registration cancelled 1991-12-23, S/N 0563 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R22 BETA
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0563
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Classic Helicopter
- Departed: BFI, SEATTLE, WA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 27 total, 27 in this make and model, 4 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,300 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: BFI, 5 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 19910406010999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910406010999A), Apr 6, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Kent, WA, Substantial damage. While hover landing student allowed left skid to hit ground causing dynamic rollover. Came to rest on left side.

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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