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NTSB Report
March 25, 1989 · Upchurch Rotorway Executive Rotorway E · N70289
Lugoff, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lugoff, SC
Aircraft
Upchurch Rotorway Executive Rotorway E
Tail Number
N70289
Operator
Joseph M Upchurch
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL89DLG01
THE PILOT SAID HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF TO A HOVER AS A RESULT OF THE LEFT SKID BEING SLIGHTLY EMBEDDED IN SOFT EARTH. THE ROTORS CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE GROUND CAUSING A DYNAMIC ROLLOVER. THE 21-HOUR STUDENT PILOT/BUILDER WAS NOT INJURED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER EVALUATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS DURING PREFLIGHT INSPECTION RESULTING IN A DYNAMIC ROLLOVER DUE TO DRAG FROM AN IMBEDDED LEFT SKID.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF TO A HOVER AS A RESULT OF THE LEFT SKID BEING SLIGHTLY EMBEDDED IN SOFT EARTH. THE ROTORS CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE GROUND CAUSING A DYNAMIC ROLLOVER. THE 21-HOUR STUDENT PILOT/BUILDER WAS NOT INJURED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftUpchurch Rotorway Executive Rotorway E
Tail NumberN70289
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJoseph M Upchurch
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RW 152/D · Reciprocating · 152
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO