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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.

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NTSB Report

May 26, 1994 · Robinson R-22 · N16MT

Bunnell, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bunnell, FL
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N16MT
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA157

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT STATED HE WAS HOVERING AND WAS HIT BY A GUST OF WIND WHICH BLEW SAND INTO HIS FACE. WHILE LANDING THE RIGHT SKID AND TAILROTOR TOUCHED THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER BY THE FAA REVEALED THE TAILROTOR BLADES AND VERTICAL FIN SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. REVIEW OF WEATHER INFORMATION REVEALED NO RECORD OF TURBULENCE, DOWN DRAFTS, GUSTS, OR WIND SHEAR.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS (CYCLIC/COLLECTIVE) RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 1994, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22, N16MT, registered to Malcolm Timmons, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, collided with the ground while landing at the Flagler County Airport, Bunnell, Florida. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot with ratings for airplane single engine land and multiengine land was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Daytona Beach Regional Airport. The accident was reported to the NTSB on June 8, 1994, by the FAA. A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, was mailed to the pilot on June 10, 1994, and was delivered to the pilot on June 13, 1994. The report was not returned as required by 14 CFR Part 830. The pilot wrote in a statement to International Helicopter Academy Inc., on May 26, 1994, that while hovering, he was hit by a gust of wind on the right side of the helicopter which blew sand into his face. While landing the helicopter the right hand skid dug into the ground, and the tailrotor touched the ground. Review of weather information obtained from the FAA at the time of the accident revealed no recorded record of turbulence, down drafts, gusts, or wind shear. The registered owner stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report that the helicopter sustained minor damage. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA revealed the tailrotor blades and vertical fin sustained damage. The manufacturer stated that if the vertical fin or dorsal fin is damaged, it must be replaced. Damage removal or distortion will substantially change the flight characteristics of the helicopter. In addition, the registered owner stated the helicopter was leased to International Helicopter Academy Inc., at the time of the accident. This was not substantiated by International Helicopter Academy Inc.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFlagler County Airport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN16MT
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 127
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data