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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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August 17, 1989 · Robinson R22 · N8557H

Manassas, VA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Manassas, VA
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N8557H
Operator
Metropolitan Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO89LA071

IMPROPER USE OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL BY THE STUDENT PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO RELINQUISH CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER TO THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI). A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER USE OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL BY THE STUDENT PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO RELINQUISH CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER TO THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI). A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportManassas Muni (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN8557H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMetropolitan Helicopters
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 31 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data