Robinson R-22B N7198U

Summary

On 25 January 2003 at about 22:45 local time, a Robinson R-22B registered N7198U, operated by Robert C. Herr, was involved in an accident near Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 January 2003 at 22:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States

Nearest airport

Pittsfield Muni (PSF)

Coordinates

42.4267, -73.2928

Aircraft

Robinson R-22B

Registration

N7198U

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Robert C. Herr

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

White Plains → Pittsfield

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

NYC03LA045

Nobody was injured.

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.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.