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NTSB Report

July 10, 2004 · Whitlock Rotorway Exec 162F · N518W

Meeker, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Meeker, CO
Aircraft
Whitlock Rotorway Exec 162F
Tail Number
N518W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04CA101

The pilot stated that approximately 3 minutes after departing the airport, he heard a "loud squealing noise" from the engine and rotor rpm began to decrease. The pilot initiated an autorotation at 1,200 feet agl and positioned the helicopter to land in a nearby field. The pilot stated that several feet off the ground he heard a "growling noise" and the helicopter "yawed to the right," approximately 70 degrees. The helicopter landed on the left skid and subsequently rolled onto its side causing substantial damage. According to the pilot, post accident examination revealed that the supercharger on the engine had failed.

NTSB Probable Cause

aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A contributing factor was the failure of the supercharger.

Full Narrative

On July 10, 2004, at approximately 1030 mountain daylight time, a Whitlock Rotorway Exec 162F, N518W, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during an autorotation 3 miles north of Meeker Airport (EEO), Meeker, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight originated at Meeker, Colorado, at 1027 and was en route to Craig, Colorado. According to the report submitted by the pilot, approximately 3 minutes after departing Meeker, he heard a "loud squealing noise" from the engine and rotor rpm began to decrease. The pilot initiated an autorotation at 1,200 feet agl and positioned the helicopter to land in a nearby field. The pilot stated that several feet off the ground he heard a "growling noise" and the helicopter "yawed to the right," approximately 70 degrees. The helicopter landed on the left skid and subsequently rolled onto its side. The main rotor, landing skids and tail boom bent during the impact. According to the pilot, post accident examination revealed that the supercharger on the engine had failed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MDT
Nearest AirportMEEKER (3nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWhitlock Rotorway Exec 162F
Tail NumberN518W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · R1 162F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time16:27
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data