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June 13, 1999 · Adams Rotorway EXEC-90 Rotorway E · N8235W

Evington, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Evington, VA
Aircraft
Adams Rotorway EXEC-90 Rotorway E
Tail Number
N8235W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA148

The pilot was approaching to land in his homebuilt helicopter. He was applying maximum power, but did not have sufficient rotor RPM. In an attempt to increase RPM, he lowered the collective, causing the helicopter to undershoot the intended landing point. The pilot could not touchdown at this point, because the field was at a 9 to 10 degree slope angle. Additionally, he did not have enough rotor RPM to hover up-slope. He made a 180 degree turn and flew down-slope. After the turn, the forward momentum plus the 1 to 2 knot headwind slightly increased rotor RPM. However, the pilot still did not have enough power to hover. He decided to perform a slide-on landing. During the landing, the right skid struck a mound of dirt, causing the helicopter to roll left. The main rotor blades struck the ground and tailboom. On July 22, 1999, the engine was inspected and operated at the manufacturer's facility. No interruptions, abnormalities, or discrepancies were found. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 110.5 hours, which 98.5 hours were in the accident helicopter. He received his private pilot license on December 4, 1998.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a run on landing. A factor was the dirt bank.

Full Narrative

On June 13, 1999, about 0930 Eastern Daylight Time, a homebuilt Rotorway Exec-90, a helicopter, N8235W, was substantially damaged while landing at a private helipad at Evington, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to his written statement, the pilot was approaching to land, traveling through transnational lift. He was applying maximum power, but did not have sufficient rotor RPM. In an attempt to increase RPM, he lowered the collective, causing the helicopter to undershoot the intended landing point. The pilot could not touchdown at this point, because the field was at a 9 to 10 degree slope angle. Additionally, he did not have enough rotor RPM to hover up-slope. He made a 180 degree turn and flew down-slope. After the turn, the forward momentum plus the 1 to 2 knot headwind slightly increased rotor RPM. However, the pilot still did not have enough power to hover. He decided to perform a slide-on landing. During the landing, the right skid struck a mound of dirt, causing the helicopter to roll left. The main rotor blades struck the ground and tailboom. The pilot further stated that the engine may not have been developing full power. Additionally, his neighbors told him that they observed smoke emanating from the engine. On July 22, 1999, the engine was inspected and operated at the manufacturer's facility, in the presence of a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector. No interruptions, abnormalities, or discrepancies were found. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 110.5 hours, which 98.5 hours were in the accident helicopter. He received his private pilot license on December 4, 1998.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAdams Rotorway EXEC-90 Rotorway E
Tail NumberN8235W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RI-162 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data