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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 14, 2003 · Kowtun Mini 500 · N919WK

Phoenix, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 14, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Kowtun Mini 500
Tail Number
N919WK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX03LA198

The helicopter experienced a loss of directional control while hovering, collided with the ground, and rolled over. The pilot was performing a hover taxi test flight after adjusting the carburetor. The pilot said in a written report that shortly into the flight, the helicopter "started to spin to the right and would not respond to the left pedal." It then impacted the ground, rolled on its right side, and was consumed by fire. In the section of NTSB Form 6120.1/2, which asks if there was a mechanical malfunction or failure, the pilot wrote "tail rotor drive shaft failure." When contacted by a Safety Board investigator for clarification of the tail rotor issue, the pilot declined to answer any questions pertaining to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter.

Full Narrative

On June 13, 2003, about 2020 mountain standard time, an experimental Kowtun Mini 500 helicopter, N919WK, experienced a loss of directional control, collided with the ground, and rolled over at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter was destroyed. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 33 degrees 41.17 minutes north latitude and 112 degrees 4.17 minutes west longitude. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had just "tweaked" the carburetor and was performing a hover taxi test flight when the helicopter "started to spin to the right and would not respond to the left pedal." It then impacted the ground, rolled on its right side, and was consumed by fire. In the section of NTSB Form 6120.1/2, which asks if there was a mechanical malfunction or failure, the pilot wrote "tail rotor drive shaft failure." A Safety Board investigator contacted the pilot on July 21, 2003, to learn more about the tail rotor drive shaft issue. The pilot, however, stated that the Federal Aviation Administration was trying to revoke his license and would not answer any questions pertaining to the accident. He then referred the investigator to his lawyer. Subsequent attempts to gain further information from the pilot or his attorney were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:20 MST
Nearest AirportPhoenix Deer Valley Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKowtun Mini 500
Tail NumberN919WK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsBombardier · Mini 500A · Reciprocating · 67
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.78 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data