Robinson R-22 N9070F

Summary

On 23 June 1999 at about 23:35 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N9070F was involved in an accident near Hurricane, West Virginia, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 June 1999 at 23:35

Classification

Accident

Location

Hurricane, West Virginia, United States

Coordinates

38.4295, -82.0109

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N9070F

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC99FA157

1 person died.

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and the transmission wires.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

A witness observed the helicopter at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and then descend to approximately 60 feet AGL. The witness stated that the helicopter was making a 'popping noise,' and wobbling back and forth, and side to side for about 30 seconds. The witness also stated that he could see the helicopter's main rotor blades slowing down. The helicopter then 'nose dived' towards the ground. The helicopter impacted in a dry creek bed and came to rest on it's left side. One main rotor bladed was found curved upward and contained blue and white paint transfer. It should be noted that the helicopter tail boom is painted blue and white. A 12,000 volt electrical wire system was located approximately 37 feet above the main wreckage and one of the wires had been severed. The helicopter had been operated for about 1 hour since an annual inspection had been performed 5 days prior to the accident; about 70 hours since December 1994; and about 2,070 hours since it was last overhauled in 1992. The helicopter was fueled with automotive gasoline. A supplemental type certificate (STC) for the use of automotive gasoline for the accident helicopter was available; however, examination of the helicopter's maintenance records did not reveal that an STC had been obtained for the use of automotive gasoline. The engine was test run and it operated satisfactorily. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions of the airframe or engine. Review of the FAA 'Carburetor Icing Probability Chart' placed the reported temperature and dewpoint in the 'serious icing at glide power' area. Additionally, examination of the engine low oil pressure light bulb filament from the annunciator panel revealed some elongation of the filament.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.