# NTSB SEA99LA033: Robinson R-22, N8362Q, Seattle, WA, February 15, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 15, 1999, 10:00 local (18:00 UTC) - Place: Seattle, WA - Coordinates: 47.539402, -122.309951 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5394&lon=-122.3100&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 23, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 45795 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA033 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45795/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA033 ## Probable cause The dual student's improper touchdown while drifting during a practice autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor (CFI) inadequate remedial action. ## Analysis During an interview and subsequent written statement, the flight instructor reported that for the first time in the training program, the student was practicing hovering autorotations. The flight instructor stated that he demonstrated approximately three of the maneuvers. During the fourth maneuver, both he and the student were on the controls. The flight instructor stated that he slowly rolled off the throttle and the helicopter started to drift to the left and descend. The left landing skid caught the grass and the helicopter began to roll to the left. The flight instructor stated that before he could recover, the helicopter rolled over onto its side. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Factual narrative On February 15, 1999, about 1000 pacific standard time, a Robinson R-22, N8362Q, registered to a private owner and operated by Classic Helicopter Corporation as a 14 CFR 91 local instructional flight, was substantially damaged after it collided with the ground while maneuvering at Boeing Field/King County International Airport, Seattle, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The certified flight instructor received minor injuries and the student pilot was uninjured. There was no fire and no report of an ELT actuating. The flight originated from the Boeing Field airport approximately one hour and thirty minutes prior to the accident. During an interview and subsequent written statement, the flight instructor reported that for the first time in the training program, the student was practicing hovering autorotations. The flight instructor stated that he demonstrated approximately three of the maneuvers. During the fourth maneuver, both he and the student were on the controls. The flight instructor stated that he slowly rolled off the throttle and the helicopter started to drift to the left and descend. The left landing skid caught the grass and the helicopter began to roll to the left. The flight instructor stated that before he could recover, the helicopter rolled over onto its side. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - autorotation - attempted, dual student - flare - inadequate, dual student (cause) - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8362Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8362Q-2002-01-23), registration cancelled 2002-01-23, S/N 2774, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R-22 - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22) (registry code 7640102) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-360-C1F](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-360-c1f) (registry code 41573, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 2774 - Airframe hours: 683 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-J2A 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Classic Helicopter Corp. - Registered owner: Rhodes Holding Ltd. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, December 14, 1998, 79 hours before - Departed: BFI - Airport: BFI, Boeing Field/King County ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; commercial, flight instructor; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,789 total, 1,550 in this make and model, 1,740 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 150° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken - Temperature: 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: BFI ## 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 19990215001439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990215001439A), Feb 15, 1999: Robsin R22, Seattle, WA, Substantial damage. R-22 helicopter rolled over on pad after landing. Other circumstances are unknown.(.4) during an interview and subsequent written statement, the flight… ## Other investigations on N8362Q (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB SEA01LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA054), Feb 27, 2001: Robinson R22 (N8362Q), Seattle, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Both pilots' exceedance of the proper descent rate during the autorotative descent. Factors included the helicopter's low altitude at maneuver initiation, the failure of both pilots to maintain the… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.