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NTSB Report

June 5, 1998 · Rotorway Executive 162F Executive · N162WM

New Port Richey, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
New Port Richey, FL
Aircraft
Rotorway Executive 162F Executive
Tail Number
N162WM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA179

While returning to the ramp, flying about 4-5 feet above ground level, the student pilot noticed that the main rotor rpm was decreasing. He lowered the collective and added power but the rotor rpm was not changed before impact with the ground - first on the rear portion of the skids. The helicopter rolled onto its side and both occupants exited. The pilot further stated that there was no engine failure or malfunction, and contributing to the accident was the fact that he had only obtained 2-3 hours rest each of the past 4 nights.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of the collective. Contributing to the accident was pilot fatigue due to lack of sleep.

Full Narrative

On June 5, 1998, about 1445 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Rotorway International Executive 162F helicopter, N162WM, registered to a private individual, rolled over after touchdown at the Hidden Lake Airport, New Port Richey, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the student pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated on the airport about 20 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to practice hovering with a passenger on board in preparation for an upcoming checkride. He had been practicing hovering for about 20 minutes when, while flying about 4-5 feet agl at 4-5 mph over a creek, he noted that the main rotor rpm decayed. He lowered collective and attempted to accelerate, but the skids contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. He further stated that there was no engine or airframe malfunction and contributing to the accident was the fact that he had only obtained 2-3 hours rest for each of the past 4 nights.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 EDT
Nearest AirportHidden Lake (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRotorway Executive 162F Executive
Tail NumberN162WM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · R.I. 162F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 13 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:43
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data