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NTSB Report
September 12, 1990 · Brantly Helicopter B-2B · N2159W
Novato, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Novato, CA
Aircraft
Brantly Helicopter B-2B
Tail Number
N2159W
Operator
Rosenberg Kenneth P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA321
WHILE ON AN ADDED RATING FLIGHT TEST THE FAA DESIGNATED EXAMINER CALLED FOR A SIMULATED ENG FAILURE. THE PRIVATE PILOT APPLICANT IMMEDIATELY LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE AND BEGAN A 180 DEGREE TURN INTO THE WIND. WHEN THE HELICOPTER WAS ABOUT 160 DEGREES INTO THE TURN AND WAS ABOUT 50 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND THE PILOT BEGAN THE POWER RECOVERY BUT DUE TO THE HIGH SINK RATE THE SKIDS STRUCK THE SOFT DIRT OF A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD CAUSING THE HELICOPTER TO ROLL TO THE RIGHT AND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO STRIKE THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EXECUTION OF THE AUTOROTATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE EXCESSIVE SINK RATE AND MISJUDGING OF THE ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON AN ADDED RATING FLIGHT TEST THE FAA DESIGNATED EXAMINER CALLED FOR A SIMULATED ENG FAILURE. THE PRIVATE PILOT APPLICANT IMMEDIATELY LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE AND BEGAN A 180 DEGREE TURN INTO THE WIND. WHEN THE HELICOPTER WAS ABOUT 160 DEGREES INTO THE TURN AND WAS ABOUT 50 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND THE PILOT BEGAN THE POWER RECOVERY BUT DUE TO THE HIGH SINK RATE THE SKIDS STRUCK THE SOFT DIRT OF A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD CAUSING THE HELICOPTER TO ROLL TO THE RIGHT AND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO STRIKE THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:03 PDT
Nearest AirportGNOSS (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBrantly Helicopter B-2B
Tail NumberN2159W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRosenberg Kenneth P
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IVO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 15 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO