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NTSB Report

July 27, 1990 · Robinson R22 · N9017S

Paducah, KY

Overview

Report Status

Probable Cause

Event Type

Accident

Date

July 27, 1990

Injury Outcomes

No injuries (2 uninjured)

Location

Paducah, KY

Aircraft

Robinson R22

Tail Number

N9017S

Operator

Byrne Michael T

Injuries

None

Aircraft Damage

Substantial

NTSB Number

BFO90LA065

THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED TO THE GROUND AFTER A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE INTERMEDIATE FLEX PLATE AND TWO CLUTCH YOKES AND FAILED. A METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE WASHERS IN ONE OF THE FASTENER JOINTS WERE MISPLACED. A WARNING IN THE MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL STATES: 'A559 NICKEL-PLATED RADIUSED WASHERS ARE REQUIRED ON EACH SIDE OF THE A193 FLEXPLATES OR FRETTING FAILURE MAY OCCUR WITHIN A FEW HOURS.' RECORDS INDICATE THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS SIGNED OFF ON OCTOBER 19, 1989, AND THE AIRCRAFT HAD ACCUMULATED 119 HOURS SINCE THAT TIME. THE HELICOPTER HAD UNDERGONE A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION ABOUT ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST DUE TO IMPROPER PART INSTALLATION.

Full Narrative

THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED TO THE GROUND AFTER A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE INTERMEDIATE FLEX PLATE AND TWO CLUTCH YOKES AND FAILED. A METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE WASHERS IN ONE OF THE FASTENER JOINTS WERE MISPLACED. A WARNING IN THE MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL STATES: 'A559 NICKEL-PLATED RADIUSED WASHERS ARE REQUIRED ON EACH SIDE OF THE A193 FLEXPLATES OR FRETTING FAILURE MAY OCCUR WITHIN A FEW HOURS.' RECORDS INDICATE THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS SIGNED OFF ON OCTOBER 19, 1989, AND THE AIRCRAFT HAD ACCUMULATED 119 HOURS SINCE THAT TIME. THE HELICOPTER HAD UNDERGONE A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION ABOUT ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident

Event Time14:30 CDT

Nearest Airport0nm N

Runway0

Runway Length0

Runway Width0

Flight Plan FiledNone

Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22

Tail NumberN9017S

Aircraft CategoryHeli

DamageSubstantial

OperatorByrne Michael T

Operating RulePart 91

Engines1

Engine TypeReciprocating

Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150

Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)

Fatal0

Serious0

Minor0

Uninjured2

Total2

Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC

LightDaylight

Wind40° @ 5 kt

Visibility4 sm

CeilingNone

Temperature / Dew Point66 F

Altimeter30.00 inHg

Weather SourceWFAC

500 – Data service is offline

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July 27, 1990 · Robinson R22 · N9017S

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NTSB Probable Cause

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