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NTSB Report
December 31, 1992 · Rotorway Executive · N43385
Chandler, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 31, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chandler, AZ
Aircraft
Rotorway Executive
Tail Number
N43385
Operator
James a Sagerser
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX93LA083
THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, WHO IS ALSO THE OWNER OF THE HELICOPTER, REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT HAD LIFTED OFF AND ACHIEVED A FORWARD AIRSPEED OF ABOUT 40 KNOTS AT 10 FEET AGL WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE OIL AND WATER TEMPERATURE INDICATORS WERE INCREASING RAPIDLY. HE TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND TURNED TO LAND IN THE ALFALFA FIELD USED FOR TAKEOFF AND THE COCKPIT SUDDENLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE INSTRUCTOR SAID HE LANDED THE HELICOPTER WITH SOME FORWARD MOMENTUM AND IT ROLLED OVER AFTER THE SKIDS DUG INTO THE GROUND. THE INSTRUCTOR AND HIS STUDENT ESCAPED THROUGH THE COCKPIT WINDSHIELD AS THE HELICOPTER ERUPTED INTO FLAMES, WHICH TOTALLY CONSUMED THE HELICOPTER. AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE BURNED REMAINS AND REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, INCLUDING ALL HOSES AND ACCESSORY FITTINGS, WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, WHO IS ALSO THE OWNER OF THE HELICOPTER, REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT HAD LIFTED OFF AND ACHIEVED A FORWARD AIRSPEED OF ABOUT 40 KNOTS AT 10 FEET AGL WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE OIL AND WATER TEMPERATURE INDICATORS WERE INCREASING RAPIDLY. HE TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND TURNED TO LAND IN THE ALFALFA FIELD USED FOR TAKEOFF AND THE COCKPIT SUDDENLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE INSTRUCTOR SAID HE LANDED THE HELICOPTER WITH SOME FORWARD MOMENTUM AND IT ROLLED OVER AFTER THE SKIDS DUG INTO THE GROUND. THE INSTRUCTOR AND HIS STUDENT ESCAPED THROUGH THE COCKPIT WINDSHIELD AS THE HELICOPTER ERUPTED INTO FLAMES, WHICH TOTALLY CONSUMED THE HELICOPTER. AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE BURNED REMAINS AND REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, INCLUDING ALL HOSES AND ACCESSORY FITTINGS, WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRotorway Executive
Tail NumberN43385
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJames a Sagerser
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RW-162 · Reciprocating · 140
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO