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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 2, 1995 · Robert Eckley Rotorway · N50235

Salina, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 2, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Salina, KS
Aircraft
Robert Eckley Rotorway
Tail Number
N50235
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA046

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to check the cyclic rigging on the helicopter. This was to be the helicopter's first flight in three years since it was recently taken out of storage. After start up, the helicopter rolled over. The pilot stated that the cause of the accident was the over adjusting of the cycle control during the rigging procedure. The pilot has performed all inspections and rigging on the helicopter. Review of the pilot's logbook revealed that the pilot did not hold a valid medical, airman certificate, nor the student pilot endorsements required to operate the helicopter. The pilot also did not possess a Repairman Certificate.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper maintenance of the helicopter. Factors in the accident were the pilot's lack of proper certification for the operation of the helicopter and his lack of recent experience in type of aircraft.

Full Narrative

On December 2, 1995, at 1505 central standard time, an Eckley Rotorway helicopter, N50235, piloted by the owner/builder, sustained substantial damage when it rolled over after start up at Salina Municipal Airport, Salina, Kansas. The non- certificated pilot reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 local flight, no flight plan was filed. During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that the helicopter had been in storage for the past three years. This was to be the helicopter's first flight since taken out of storage. The pilot stated the purpose of the flight was to check the cyclic rigging. He stated that he has performed all inspections and rigging on the helicopter. The pilot stated that the cause of the accident was the over adjusting of the cycle control during the rigging procedure which caused the rollover. Review of the pilot's logbook revealed the pilot did not hold a valid medical, airman certificate, nor the student pilot endorsements required to operate the helicopter. The pilot had no recent flying experience during the past three years. The pilot also did not possess a Repairman Certificate.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:05 CST
Nearest AirportSalina Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobert Eckley Rotorway
Tail NumberN50235
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RW145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data