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NTSB Report

August 1, 1997 · Poor Boys Toys EXEC 90 · N596PB

Patricia, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Patricia, TX
Aircraft
Poor Boys Toys EXEC 90
Tail Number
N596PB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA300

The experimental amateur built helicopter was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while hovering in a field. The pilot reported that the helicopter was in a hover and he was surveying the field. He momentarily directed his attention to the instruments within the cockpit and during that time the helicopter contacted crops. The pilot stated that the helicopter experienced a 'dynamic rollover,' and came to rest on its side in the field.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance with the crops during a surveying flight. A factor was the pilots diverted attention.

Full Narrative

On August 1, 1997, at 0740 central daylight time, a Poor Boys Toys, Inc. Exec 90, experimental helicopter, N596PB, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while hovering in a field near Patricia, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight from Lamesa Municipal Airport, near Lamesa, Texas, at 0700. No flight plan was filed for the flight. The pilot reported during a telephone interview, conducted by a representative of the Safety Board, that he was hovering the helicopter over a cultivated field. The pilot further stated that he momentarily directed his attention to the gauges in the cockpit and during this time the skids of the helicopter became in contact with the crops. The pilot stated that the helicopter experienced a "dynamic rollover" and came to rest on its side in the field. According to the FAA inspector that traveled to the accident site, the pilot was not rated in helicopters; however, he was properly cleared by his flight instructor for the solo flight. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA inspector revealed that both main rotor blades were bent. The tailboon section of the helicopter was severed at the attaching point to the fuselage. The windscreen was compromised. Multiple attempts to obtain a completed copy of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPoor Boys Toys EXEC 90
Tail NumberN596PB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsUnknown · UNK · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time11:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data