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NTSB Report
April 8, 1999 · Frederick Sweet Rotorway EXEC Rotorway E · N31788
Fort Myers, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fort Myers, FL
Aircraft
Frederick Sweet Rotorway EXEC Rotorway E
Tail Number
N31788
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA99LA121
The pilot stated he was running the aircraft's engine and hovering the helicopter while it was tied to the ground by a chain. The chain broke and he lost control of the helicopter. The helicopter rolled to the side and the main rotor collided with a tree.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control after the ground tie chain separated during engine run and hovering operations.
Full Narrative
On April 8, 1999, about 1515 eastern daylight time, a Frederick Sweet Rotorway Exec, N31788, registered to an individual, collided with a tree while hovering at Fort Myers, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he had chained the helicopter to the ground with a 2-foot-long chain. He only planned to hover the helicopter. He started the helicopter's engine and lifted the helicopter into a hover. The chain broke, the helicopter rolled to the side, and the main rotor contacted a palm tree. The helicopter then came to rest on its side.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftFrederick Sweet Rotorway EXEC Rotorway E
Tail NumberN31788
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · 152 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC