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NTSB Report
October 19, 1989 · Robinson R22 · N8024W
Bethpage, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bethpage, NY
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N8024W
Operator
American Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA015
THE HELICOPTER WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON A TRAFFIC REPORTING FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION. HE TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE TWICE WITH NO SUCCESS AND LANDED DOWNWIND ON THE SOUTH SERVICE ROAD OF THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY. THIS WAS THE BEST PLACE TO LAND WITHOUT CAUSING INJURY TO PEOPLE OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY ON THE GROUND. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 48 DEGREES AND THERE WAS LIGHT RAIN. ON OCTOBER 26, 1989, THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND IT RAN WITHOUT ANY DISCREPANCIES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE HELICOPTER DURING A POWER OFF AUTOROTATION RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING AND A MAIN ROTOR BLADE SEVERING THE TAILBOOM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A GUSTY WIND AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER OPERATION OF POWERPLANT AND POWERPLANT CONTROLS IN CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICE.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON A TRAFFIC REPORTING FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION. HE TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE TWICE WITH NO SUCCESS AND LANDED DOWNWIND ON THE SOUTH SERVICE ROAD OF THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY. THIS WAS THE BEST PLACE TO LAND WITHOUT CAUSING INJURY TO PEOPLE OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY ON THE GROUND. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 48 DEGREES AND THERE WAS LIGHT RAIN. ON OCTOBER 26, 1989, THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND IT RAN WITHOUT ANY DISCREPANCIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN8024W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Helicopters
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 32 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind50° @ 15 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 1100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO