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NTSB Report
September 27, 1989 · Robinson R22 · N9078U
Scottsdale, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N9078U
Operator
Arizona Wing and Rotor
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA331
THE CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) & A STUDENT PILOT WERE PRACTICING AUTOROTATIONS. THE CFI TOOK THE CONTROLS FROM THE STUDENT DURING AN ABORTED AUTOROTION & INITIATED A GO-AROUND. THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL ROTOR STRUCK AN UNSEEN FENCE DURING THE GO-AROUND, & THE CFI MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. THE CFI SAID THAT THE ACDNT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF HE HAD BEEN FAMILIAR WITH THE LANDING AREA.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CFI'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, AND THE FENCE.
Full Narrative
THE CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) & A STUDENT PILOT WERE PRACTICING AUTOROTATIONS. THE CFI TOOK THE CONTROLS FROM THE STUDENT DURING AN ABORTED AUTOROTION & INITIATED A GO-AROUND. THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL ROTOR STRUCK AN UNSEEN FENCE DURING THE GO-AROUND, & THE CFI MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. THE CFI SAID THAT THE ACDNT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF HE HAD BEEN FAMILIAR WITH THE LANDING AREA.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:20 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN9078U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArizona Wing and Rotor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 13 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO