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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

September 19, 1993 · Robinson R22 · N88RD

Scottdale, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 19, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Scottdale, PA
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N88RD
Operator
Robert B Davis
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO93LA180

THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND THE HELICOPTER NEAR A ROCK QUARRY. AFTER A 'NORMAL' APPROACH INTO THE WIND, THE PILOT NOTICED THAT THE CHOSEN LANDING SITE 'APPEARED UNEVEN.' HE DECIDED TO DISCONTINUE THE APPROACH. HE DID NOT HAVE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE ABOVE THE GROUND, OR ENOUGH POWER AVAILABLE TO INITIATE AN IMMEDIATE CLIMB, AND THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO DESCEND. THE LEFT SKID IMPACTED TERRAIN AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE. NO PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES WERE REPORTED.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING AND HIS DELAY IN PERFORMING REMEDIAL ACTION.

Full Narrative

On September 19, 1993, about 1430 hours eastern daylight time, N88RD, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, operated by the pilot/owner, impacted terrain and was substantially damaged during an attempted go-around in Scottdale, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight originated from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, about 1400 hours and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to the private pilot, he invited a certificated helicopter flight instructor friend for a "sight-seeing ride." It was agreed that the private pilot would be the pilot-in- command. About 20 minutes into the flight, the private pilot decided to land near a rock quarry to observe an excavation site. After a "normal" approach into the wind, the pilot observed that the terrain "appeared uneven". He decided to discontinue the approach, "but found power was not available to climb." The helicopter descended onto the uneven terrain, touched down on the left skid, and rolled over onto its left side. According to a FAA aviation safety inspector, the helicopter's fuselage, main rotor system, and tail rotor system received substantial damage. No pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were reported.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN88RD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert B Davis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30°
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 48
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data