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September 13, 2002 · Siemens Rotorway Exec 162 F · N104BJ

Overgaard, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Overgaard, AZ
Aircraft
Siemens Rotorway Exec 162 F
Tail Number
N104BJ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA284

The helicopter sustained substantial damage during a hard landing and rollover after performing a practice autorotation. Due to excessive forward airspeed, the pilot aborted the maneuver. The application of the collective did not stop the descent. He committed to a full down autorotation and flared about 50 feet above ground level. As the helicopter contacted the ground, it pivoted on its right skid, and came to rest on its right side. Wind conditions were not checked prior to entering the autorotation, and he subsequently determined that he attempted it with a tailwind.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to check the wind direction prior to practicing autorotations, and his misjudged flare maneuver. The tailwind was a factor.

Full Narrative

On September 13, 2002, at 0810 mountain standard time, a Siemens Rotorway Executive 162F helicopter, N104BJ, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing and rollover after performing a practice autorotation at the Mogollon Airport (PVT), Overgaard, Arizona. The private pilot/owner operated the experimental helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local area personal flight originated from the Mogollon airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported practicing an autorotation. Due to excessive forward airspeed, he elected to abort the maneuver. The application of the collective did not stop the descent. He committed to a full down autorotation and flared about 50 feet above ground level (agl). As the helicopter contacted the ground, it pivoted on its right skid, and came to rest on its right side. Wind conditions were not checked prior to entering the autorotation, and he subsequently determined that he attempted it with a tailwind.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 MST
Nearest AirportMogollon Airpark (Pvt) (8nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSiemens Rotorway Exec 162 F
Tail NumberN104BJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · R162F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data