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NTSB Report
March 16, 1987 · Robinson R-22-A · N2256M
Scottsdale, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R-22-A
Tail Number
N2256M
Operator
Arizona Wing & Rotor
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX87FA147
WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER STOP & APPEAR TO FLY BACKWARDS ON DOWNWIND BEFORE IT FELL TO THE GROUND IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THEY ALSO NOTED THAT PORTIONS OF THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL SECTION SEPARATED AS IT FELL TO THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF A MAIN ROTOR STRIKE ON THE TAILBOOM OF THE HELICOPTER. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER STOP & APPEAR TO FLY BACKWARDS ON DOWNWIND BEFORE IT FELL TO THE GROUND IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THEY ALSO NOTED THAT PORTIONS OF THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL SECTION SEPARATED AS IT FELL TO THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF A MAIN ROTOR STRIKE ON THE TAILBOOM OF THE HELICOPTER. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:17 MST
Nearest AirportScottsdale (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length8250 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22-A
Tail NumberN2256M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorArizona Wing & Rotor
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 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:20
Weather SourceWFAC