Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

January 25, 1994 · Robinson R-22A · N8559A

Gaithersburg, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 25, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Aircraft
Robinson R-22A
Tail Number
N8559A
Operator
Montgomery Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA035

The pilot was in the process of being trained to fly helicopters and did not have a helicopter rating. The pilot had accumulated about 19 hours of total helicopter flight time when the accident occurred. He did possess a private pilot fixed wing certificate at the time of the accident. The pilot was performing a supervised solo and was hovering over the runway at the termination of his fourth approach. He said the low RPM light illuminated and he lowered the collective. He lost control of the helicopter and it descended to the runway. The helicopter bounced on both skids and returned to the runway. The helicopter's left skid contacted the runway and the helicopter rolled over.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM WHICH LED TO AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH THE RUNWAY AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLING OVER ON ITS SIDE. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE FLYING HELICOPTERS.

Full Narrative

On January 25, 1994 about 1605 hours eastern standard time, a Robinson R-22A, N8559A entered an uncontrolled descent from hovering flight, collided with the runway, and rolled over at Gaithersburg Airport, Gaithersburg, Maryland. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the certificated private pilot was not injured. The local area instructional flight was being operated by Montgomery Aviation, Limited at the time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. According to an FAA safety inspector, at the time of the accident, the pilot had a private pilot certificate with a single engine airplane rating. The pilot was in the process of being trained to fly helicopters and did not have a helicopter rating. The FAA safety inspector examined the helicopter after the accident and did not find any pre-existing anomalies. In his written statement, the pilot said that during his supervised solo flight, he made his fourth approach to the runway and then began to hover the helicopter. He said the low RPM warning light illuminated and he "...rolled throttle and lowered collective, nose yawed left and gained altitude. Lowered collective (I believe) and left skid touched ground. Bounced on both skids and returned on ground on left skid. Then started dynamic rollover." Neither the pilot nor the operator reported any pre-existing deficiencies for the helicopter prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:05 EST
Nearest AirportMontgomery Airpark (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length4196 ft
Runway Width73 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22A
Tail NumberN8559A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMontgomery Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:05
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data