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NTSB Report
March 22, 1986 · Robinson R-22 · N9069S
Memphis, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 22, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Memphis, TN
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N9069S
Operator
John E Cline
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL86FA097
WHILE MANEUVERING OVER AN OPEN FIELD, THE HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR BLADES HAD MULTIPLE CONTACTS WITH THE TAIL BOOM, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TAIL BOOM IN FLIGHT. THE COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS SEATED IN THE LEFT SEAT; THE STUDENT WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT. FUEL QUANTITY PRIOR TO TAKEOFF WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 GALLONS. DURATION OF FLIGHT TIME PER HOBBS WAS 1.6 HOURS. THERE WAS LITTLE FUEL FOUND AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. EXAMINATION OF THE ROTOR SYSTEM REVEALED NO MECHANICAL CAUSE FOR THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENCE.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
WHILE MANEUVERING OVER AN OPEN FIELD, THE HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR BLADES HAD MULTIPLE CONTACTS WITH THE TAIL BOOM, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TAIL BOOM IN FLIGHT. THE COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS SEATED IN THE LEFT SEAT; THE STUDENT WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT. FUEL QUANTITY PRIOR TO TAKEOFF WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 GALLONS. DURATION OF FLIGHT TIME PER HOBBS WAS 1.6 HOURS. THERE WAS LITTLE FUEL FOUND AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. EXAMINATION OF THE ROTOR SYSTEM REVEALED NO MECHANICAL CAUSE FOR THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENCE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN9069S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJohn E Cline
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2C · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 12 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC