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November 6, 2003 · Schmitt Rotorway Exec 162F · N6463S

Prosser, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Prosser, WA
Aircraft
Schmitt Rotorway Exec 162F
Tail Number
N6463S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA04LA015

While on an instructional flight, the flight instructor demonstrated a takeoff from a slope to the student pilot (owner) and then gave control of the rotorcraft to the student to execute a similar maneuver. The first attempt was aborted and the maneuver was re-initiated. On the second try the student rolled the rotorcraft to a level attitude but then failed to neutralize cyclic before attempting to liftoff. The student then abruptly applied collective and the rotorcraft began rolling left rapidly, lifting off and entering an immediate left rotation about five feet above ground. The instructor took control of the rotorcraft and attempted to regain directional control. He did not reduce throttle as the rotorcraft was over a ditch, which he did not want to land in. Without a throttle reduction the rotorcraft continued to rotate through four revolutions before RPM had decayed to an extent that sustained flight was no longer possible. The rotorcraft then touched down clear of the ditch while still rotating and immediately rolled onto its left side.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's abrupt application of excessive collective and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student. Contributing factors were the ditch and low rotor RPM.

Full Narrative

On November 6, 2003, approximately 1515 Pacific standard time, a homebuilt Schmitt (Rotorway) Exec 162F rotorcraft, N6463S, owned/operated by a non-rotorcraft rated commercial pilot (student) crashed during a loss of control on liftoff at the Prosser airport, Prosser, Washington. The rotorcraft, which was being flown by the student who was accompanied by a rotorcraft flight instructor, sustained substantial damage. Neither pilot was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was instructional, was operated under 14CFR91, and originated from a site approximately three nautical miles north-northwest of the Prosser airport. The flight instructor reported that after demonstrating a takeoff from a slope, the owner (student pilot) was given control so that he could practice the same maneuver. The first liftoff did not feel right to the instructor and he had the student set the down-slope skid back on the deck and retry the maneuver. The instructor stated that the second attempt was initially more successful but as the rotorcraft reached a level attitude the student failed to neutralize cyclic before attempting to liftoff. The student then suddenly applied collective and the rotorcraft began to roll left, rapidly lifting off and entering an immediate left rotation about five feet above ground. The instructor took control of the rotorcraft and attempted to regain directional control. He did not reduce throttle as the rotorcraft was over a ditch, which he did not want to land in. Without a throttle reduction the rotorcraft continued to rotate through four revolutions before RPM had decayed to an extent that sustained flight was no longer possible. The rotorcraft then touched down clear of the ditch while still rotating and immediately rolled onto its left side.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 PST
Nearest AirportPROSSER (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchmitt Rotorway Exec 162F
Tail NumberN6463S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · 162F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 28 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data