A-94-143
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO REDUCE THE ROBINSON R22 HELICOPTER "NEVER EXCEED AIRSPEED" (VNE) TO AIRSPEED THAT WOULD PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE MARGIN OF OPERATING SAFETY BELOW THE AIRSPEEDS AT WHICH LOSS OF MAIN ROTOR CONTROL ACCDIENTS HAVE OCCURRED, UNTIL THE REASON FOR IN-FLIGHT MAIN ROTOR BLADE DIVERGENT BEHAVIOR IS ESTABLISHED AND DESIGN CHANGES ARE APPROVED AND IMPLEMENTED, AS NECESSARY. (URGENT)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to issue an urgent airworthiness directive lowering the never-exceed speed for Robinson R22 helicopters to a speed that ensures a safe margin below speeds linked to loss-of-main-rotor-control accidents. This temporary measure lasts until the cause of in-flight main rotor blade divergent behavior is identified and necessary design changes are approved and implemented.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Apr 2, 1996 |
| NTSB number | LAX92FA267 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).