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NTSB Report
November 29, 1984 · Donald W Devine Executive · N4853A
Tracy, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 29, 1984
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Tracy, CA
Aircraft
Donald W Devine Executive
Tail Number
N4853A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85LA053
THE HOMEBUILT HELICOPTER CRASHED WHILE ON AN UNAUTHORIZED SOLO FLIGHT. THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER HE COMPLETED BUILDING THE HELICOPTER HE ACQUIRED PROFICIENCY BY OPERATING THE ENG & HOVERING ABOUT IN HIS 3 ACRE BACKYARD. HE SAID HE HAD FLOWN FOR ABOUT 45 MINS & GAINED MORE ALTITUDE THAN INTENDED. WHEN HE TOUCHED DOWN THE SOFT GROUND RETARDED THE FORWARD MOVEMENT, THE MAIN ROTOR HIT THE GROUND, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER & CAUGHT FIRE.
Full Narrative
THE HOMEBUILT HELICOPTER CRASHED WHILE ON AN UNAUTHORIZED SOLO FLIGHT. THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER HE COMPLETED BUILDING THE HELICOPTER HE ACQUIRED PROFICIENCY BY OPERATING THE ENG & HOVERING ABOUT IN HIS 3 ACRE BACKYARD. HE SAID HE HAD FLOWN FOR ABOUT 45 MINS & GAINED MORE ALTITUDE THAN INTENDED. WHEN HE TOUCHED DOWN THE SOFT GROUND RETARDED THE FORWARD MOVEMENT, THE MAIN ROTOR HIT THE GROUND, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER & CAUGHT FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDonald W Devine Executive
Tail NumberN4853A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · ROTORWAY EXEC · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind135° @ 15 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time13:30
Weather SourcePILO