N16MT

On May 26, 1994, about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22, N16MT, registered to Malcolm Timmons, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, collided with the ground while landing at the Flagler County Airport, Bunnell, Florida. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot with ratings for airplane single engine land and multiengine land was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Daytona Beach Regional Airport. The accident was reported to the NTSB on June 8, 1994, by the FAA.

A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, was mailed to the pilot on June 10, 1994, and was delivered to the pilot on June 13, 1994. The report was not returned as required by 14 CFR Part 830. The pilot wrote in a statement to International Helicopter Academy Inc., on May 26, 1994, that while hovering, he was hit by a gust of wind on the right side of the helicopter which blew sand into his face. While landing the helicopter the right hand skid dug into the ground, and the tailrotor touched the ground. Review of weather information obtained from the FAA at the time of the accident revealed no recorded record of turbulence, down drafts, gusts, or wind shear.

The registered owner stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report that the helicopter sustained minor damage. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA revealed the tailrotor blades and vertical fin sustained damage. The manufacturer stated that if the vertical fin or dorsal fin is damaged, it must be replaced. Damage removal or distortion will substantially change the flight characteristics of the helicopter. In addition, the registered owner stated the helicopter was leased to International Helicopter Academy Inc., at the time of the accident. This was not substantiated by International Helicopter Academy Inc.