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NTSB Report
February 12, 1987 · Robinson R22 · N9073Y
Myersville, MD
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 12, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Myersville, MD
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N9073Y
Operator
Steven Phillips Helicopters
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO87FA022
THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED COMMERCIAL PILOT DEPARTED HGR IN A ROBINSON HELICOPTER THAT WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO FLY IN INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS. THE PILOT HAD NOT LOGGED ANY INSTRUMENT TIME AND ELECTED TO DEPART IN IFR CONDITIONS UNDER A SPECIAL VFR CLEARANCE. ATC TRANSCRIPTS OF THE HGR TOWER REVEALED THAT THE PILOT INTENDED TO FLY ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS LEADING BACK TO THE WASHINGTON AREA. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF INTERSTATE 70 AT A POINT WHERE IT TURNED SOUTH TO GO OVER A RIDGELINE. A WEATHER STUDY INDICATED THAT MOUNTAIN RIDGES IN THE AREA WOULD HAVE BEEN OBSCURED BY FOG AND THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN LIGHT AND POSSIBLY MODERATE RIME ICING AT LOW ALTITUDES PARTICULARLY ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN RIDGES.
Full Narrative
THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED COMMERCIAL PILOT DEPARTED HGR IN A ROBINSON HELICOPTER THAT WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO FLY IN INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS. THE PILOT HAD NOT LOGGED ANY INSTRUMENT TIME AND ELECTED TO DEPART IN IFR CONDITIONS UNDER A SPECIAL VFR CLEARANCE. ATC TRANSCRIPTS OF THE HGR TOWER REVEALED THAT THE PILOT INTENDED TO FLY ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS LEADING BACK TO THE WASHINGTON AREA. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF INTERSTATE 70 AT A POINT WHERE IT TURNED SOUTH TO GO OVER A RIDGELINE. A WEATHER STUDY INDICATED THAT MOUNTAIN RIDGES IN THE AREA WOULD HAVE BEEN OBSCURED BY FOG AND THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN LIGHT AND POSSIBLY MODERATE RIME ICING AT LOW ALTITUDES PARTICULARLY ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN RIDGES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:40 EST
Nearest AirportWashington County Airport (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN9073Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSteven Phillips Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility1 sm
Ceiling1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC