# NTSB SEA95LA105: Robinson R-22, N461H, Hillsboro, OR, May 24, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1995, 18:12 local (May 24, 1995, 01:12 UTC)
- Place: Hillsboro, OR
- Coordinates: 45.580173, -122.909957 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5802&lon=-122.9100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42153
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA95LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42153/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA105

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE HOVERING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDING WITH TERRAIN.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover
- Gear collapsed, hover
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT ELECTED TO RETURN TO THE OPERATOR'S RAMP DUE TO INCREASING WINDS.  DURING A LEFT PEDAL TURN, WHEN THE TAIL WAS POINTED INTO THE WIND, HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO TURN.  THE HELICOPTER THEN IMPACTED THE TAXIWAY SURFACE, COLLAPSING THE LEFT SKID AND ALLOWING THE TAIL ROTOR TO STRIKE THE SURFACE.  THE STUDENT STATED THAT HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DUE TO WIND GUSTS.

## Factual narrative

On May 23, 1995, at 1812 Pacific daylight time, N461H, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, operated by Hillsboro Helicopters, Inc., Hillsboro, Oregon, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain after the student pilot lost directional control while hovering at the Hillsboro Airport.  The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.  The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the student pilot was hovering the helicopter for proficiency.  The student pilot stated that he was preparing to return to the operator's ramp because the wind was increasing, thus making it difficult for him to control the aircraft.  During a left pedal turn, when the tail was pointed into the wind, he believed that a wind gust "... caught me off guard and swung the tail around quickly (weather vaning)..."  The helicopter struck the ground on the left skid.  The left skid collapsed and the tail rotor struck the ground.  No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N461H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N461H), registered now, S/N 1460, built 1990 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1460
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 131 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hillsboro Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: HIO, Hillsboro

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 52 total, 52 in this make and model, 3 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HIO

## 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 19950523012909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950523012909A), May 23, 1995: Robsin R22BETA, Portland, OR, Substantial damage. Elected return to ramp due increasing wind. During pedal turn tail into wind. Lost tail rotor effect. Tail rotor hit

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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