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NTSB Report
June 25, 1992 · Dennis L Fetters MINI 500 · N500ZZ
Missouri City, MO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Missouri City, MO
Aircraft
Dennis L Fetters MINI 500
Tail Number
N500ZZ
Operator
Dennis L Fetters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92DCG04
THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER WAS PERFORMING TEST FLIGHTS USING VARIOUS FLIGHT ATTITUDES TO CHANGE AIRFLOW PATTERNS THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TOO FAST AND TOO LOW TO COMPLETE A SMOOTH LANDING. DURING TOUCHDOWN THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE BORE DIAMETER ON THE CONNECTING ROD WAS INCORRECT WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE CRANKSHAFT.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN IMPROPER CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN MECHANICAL BINDING BETWEEN THE ROD AND THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER WAS PERFORMING TEST FLIGHTS USING VARIOUS FLIGHT ATTITUDES TO CHANGE AIRFLOW PATTERNS THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TOO FAST AND TOO LOW TO COMPLETE A SMOOTH LANDING. DURING TOUCHDOWN THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE BORE DIAMETER ON THE CONNECTING ROD WAS INCORRECT WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE CRANKSHAFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CDT
Nearest AirportLiberty Landing (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDennis L Fetters MINI 500
Tail NumberN500ZZ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDennis L Fetters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 67
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO