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NTSB Report
May 5, 1985 · Robinson R-22 HP · N83745
San Angelo, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
San Angelo, TX
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 HP
Tail Number
N83745
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW85FA207
THE ATP PILOT WAS PREPARING FOR HIS CFI HELO CHECK FLIGHT. DUAL FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE INSTALLED BEFORE DEPARTURE. THE PASSENGER HAD NO RECORDED FLIGHT EXPERIENCE. ABOUT 8 MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE THE HELICOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK AND SEVERED THE TAILBOOM. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED IN ABOUT A 135 DEGREE ANGLE OF BANK. THE IN-FLIGHT BREAKUP RESULTED IN A TRAIL OF WRECKAGE AND PERSONAL ARTICLES ABOUT 1200 FEET LONG. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENCE, SEVERENCE OF THE TAIL BOOM, AND SEPARATION OF THE MAIN ROTOR MAST AT THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION PRIOR TO THE IN-FLIGHT BREAKUP.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
THE ATP PILOT WAS PREPARING FOR HIS CFI HELO CHECK FLIGHT. DUAL FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE INSTALLED BEFORE DEPARTURE. THE PASSENGER HAD NO RECORDED FLIGHT EXPERIENCE. ABOUT 8 MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE THE HELICOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK AND SEVERED THE TAILBOOM. THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED IN ABOUT A 135 DEGREE ANGLE OF BANK. THE IN-FLIGHT BREAKUP RESULTED IN A TRAIL OF WRECKAGE AND PERSONAL ARTICLES ABOUT 1200 FEET LONG. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENCE, SEVERENCE OF THE TAIL BOOM, AND SEPARATION OF THE MAIN ROTOR MAST AT THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION PRIOR TO THE IN-FLIGHT BREAKUP.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest Airport3nm E
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22 HP
Tail NumberN83745
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:05
Weather SourceWFAC