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NTSB Report
July 24, 1991 · Robinson R 22B · N8017D
Carmel, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Carmel, IN
Aircraft
Robinson R 22B
Tail Number
N8017D
Operator
Clayton W Farrar
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91FA228
AN INACTIVE PRIVATE PILOT WITH 150 AIRPLANE HOURS RESUMED FLYING WITH INSTRUCTION LEADING TO A HELICOPTER RATING AFTER 35 HOURS IN TYPE. ON HIS FIRST FLIGHT SINCE THE CHECK DATE, THE PILOT RENTED A HELICOPTER FOR A SIGHTSEEING EXCURSION. WITNESSES RECOUNTED A TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE WITH LOW ENGINE AND ROTOR RPM. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED UPRIGHT, ONE HALF MILE FROM TAKEOFF IN A STEEP DESCENT; LOW ROTOR ENERGY WAS EVIDENT. NO MECHANICAL OR MATERIAL FAILURE WAS FOUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S DELAYING REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM FOR TAKEOFF, FAILURE TO ABORT TAKEOFF AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN HELICOPTERS.
Full Narrative
AN INACTIVE PRIVATE PILOT WITH 150 AIRPLANE HOURS RESUMED FLYING WITH INSTRUCTION LEADING TO A HELICOPTER RATING AFTER 35 HOURS IN TYPE. ON HIS FIRST FLIGHT SINCE THE CHECK DATE, THE PILOT RENTED A HELICOPTER FOR A SIGHTSEEING EXCURSION. WITNESSES RECOUNTED A TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE WITH LOW ENGINE AND ROTOR RPM. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED UPRIGHT, ONE HALF MILE FROM TAKEOFF IN A STEEP DESCENT; LOW ROTOR ENERGY WAS EVIDENT. NO MECHANICAL OR MATERIAL FAILURE WAS FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R 22B
Tail NumberN8017D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorClayton W Farrar
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC