# NTSB SEA93LA107: Robinson R-22B, N14NH, Cody, WY, May 13, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 13, 1993, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Cody, WY
- Coordinates: 44.510337, -109.050704 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5103&lon=-109.0507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 10, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 43021
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA93LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43021/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA107

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE HOVERING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE IMPROPER DECISION BY THE PILOT, IMPROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT SELECTION, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, AND WIND GUSTS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT USED MAXIMUM POWER TO FLY OVER A MOUNTAIN PASS AND DECIDED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AFTER CROSSING THE SUMMIT WHEN THE OIL TEMP REACHED THE MAXIMUM FOR NORMAL OPERATION.  HE MADE AN APPROACH TO AN OGE HOVER, THEN FLEW A TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR LANDING.  HE MADE AN APPROACH TO A HOVER, ELECTED TO HOVER TAXI TO A SUITABLE LANDING SITE, ENCOUNTERED A GUST OF WIND, AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  THE ACFT LOST ROTOR RPM, DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED AND IMPACTED THE GROUND.  THE DENSITY ALTITUDE AT THE SITE WAS ABOUT 9380 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N14NH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N14NH-1994-02-15), registration cancelled 1994-02-15, S/N 1488 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22B
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1488
- Airframe hours: 1717
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Air Photo, Inc.
- Registered owner: Air Photo, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 11, 1993, 11 hours before
- Departed: BZN, BOZEMAN, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 4,461 total, 541 in this make and model, 4,169 as pilot in command, 192 in the last 90 days, 90 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 12 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: COD, 43 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 19930513013459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930513013459A), May 13, 1993: Robsin R22BETA, Cody, WY, Substantial damage. Engine overheated climbing thru mountain pass. Elected to land in rough field. Skid hit ground during hover taxi.

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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