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NTSB Report

January 25, 2003 · Robinson R-22B · N7198U

Pittsfield, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 25, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pittsfield, MA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22B
Tail Number
N7198U
Operator
Robert C Herr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA045

The pilot said he landed the helicopter on the ramp and was unaware that the area was covered with ice because of darkness. He turned off the governor, placed the cyclic and collective friction locks on, and brought the engine RPM to 80 percent for cool down. The helicopter began to turn 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slide backward. The pilot applied right pedal, which countered the yaw; however, the helicopter continued to slide backward on the ice. The helicopter then contacted a snowbank and rolled over. The pilot said he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control, which resulted in a rollover. Factors in this accident were the night light conditions, ice covered ramp and a snowbank.

Full Narrative

On January 25, 2003, about 1745 eastern standard time, a Robinson R-22B helicopter, N7198U, was substantially damaged after landing at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot said he landed on the ramp and was unaware that the area was covered with ice because of darkness. He turned off the governor, placed the cyclic and collective friction locks on, and brought the engine RPM to 80 percent for cool down. The helicopter began to turn 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slide backward. The pilot applied right pedal, which countered the yaw; however, the helicopter continued to slide backward on the ice. The helicopter then contacted a snowbank and rolled over. The pilot further stated he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions. The pilot reported 205 hours of total flight experience, which included 161 hours in make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 EST
Nearest AirportPittsfield Muni (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22B
Tail NumberN7198U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert C Herr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data