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NTSB Report
December 22, 1984 · Robinson R-22-A · N84958
Ellington, CT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 22, 1984
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Ellington, CT
Aircraft
Robinson R-22-A
Tail Number
N84958
Operator
K & R Aircraft Leasing
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC85FA048
THE NON-INST RATED PLT CONTINUED FLT INTO IMC CONDITIONS IN A HELICOPTER WHICH WAS NOT EQUIPPED FOR FLT ON INSTRUMENTS. THERE IS NO RECORD OR WITNESSES OF THE PLT HAVING RECEIVED A FORMAL WX BRIEFING BUT IT IS REPORTED THAT THE PLT WAS INFORMED OF FOG MOVING TOWARD AND EVENTUALLY 'SOCKING IN' THE ARPT. THE PLTS REPLY TO THE LAST CALL OF A 'SOCKED IN' CONDITION WAS 'I HAVE THE ARPT IN SIGHT'. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT HEADING AWAY FROM THE ARPT AFTER HAVING HEARD IT FLYING TOWARD THE ARPT. THE ACFT WAS SEEN TO DESCEND AT A STEEP ANGLE TOWARD THE GROUND JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE SIGHTING WAS SHORT (APROX 3 SECONDS) AND MADE MORE DIFFICULT BY THE REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO FOG AND FADING DAYLIGHT (DUSK). INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL OR PHYSICAL REASONS OF A CONTRIBUTORY NATURE.
Full Narrative
THE NON-INST RATED PLT CONTINUED FLT INTO IMC CONDITIONS IN A HELICOPTER WHICH WAS NOT EQUIPPED FOR FLT ON INSTRUMENTS. THERE IS NO RECORD OR WITNESSES OF THE PLT HAVING RECEIVED A FORMAL WX BRIEFING BUT IT IS REPORTED THAT THE PLT WAS INFORMED OF FOG MOVING TOWARD AND EVENTUALLY 'SOCKING IN' THE ARPT. THE PLTS REPLY TO THE LAST CALL OF A 'SOCKED IN' CONDITION WAS 'I HAVE THE ARPT IN SIGHT'. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT HEADING AWAY FROM THE ARPT AFTER HAVING HEARD IT FLYING TOWARD THE ARPT. THE ACFT WAS SEEN TO DESCEND AT A STEEP ANGLE TOWARD THE GROUND JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE SIGHTING WAS SHORT (APROX 3 SECONDS) AND MADE MORE DIFFICULT BY THE REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO FOG AND FADING DAYLIGHT (DUSK). INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL OR PHYSICAL REASONS OF A CONTRIBUTORY NATURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 EST
Nearest AirportEllington (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22-A
Tail NumberN84958
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorK & R Aircraft Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAvco Lycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
Wind30° @ 7 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 34 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC