# NTSB SEA91LA146: Robinson R-22 Beta, N40450, Wenatchee, WA, June 25, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1991, 20:00 local (Jun 25, 1991, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: Wenatchee, WA
- Coordinates: 47.490005, -120.189132 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4900&lon=-120.1891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 7, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41461
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41461/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA146

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS SUN GLARE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

A SKID TOUCHED THE RIVER SURFACE WHILE THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE, CAUSING THE PILOT TO LOSE CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT TO SINK.  THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE WHEN HE TURNED INTO THE EVENING SUN AND WAS AFFECTED BY SUN GLARE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40450](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40450-2013-10-28), registration cancelled 2013-10-28, S/N 1649, built 1991 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1649
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Joel J. Kofmehl

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 260 total, 260 in this make and model, 130 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910624055159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910624055159A), Jun 24, 1991: Robsin R22BETA, Wenatchee, WA, Substantial damage. Low level reconnaissance over a river dipped a skid in water and rolled over. Blamed setting sun and glassy water.

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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