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NTSB Report
March 8, 2008 · Willey Rotorway Exec 90 · N5251B
Westport, OK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 8, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Westport, OK
Aircraft
Willey Rotorway Exec 90
Tail Number
N5251B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW08CA079
The certified flight instructor and the student pilot were on an instructional flight to practice autorotations and simulated engine failures. About 45 minutes into the flight the instructor noticed the engine tachometer read lower than the rotor tachometer. The student pilot checked the battery voltage and said that it was "low". The instructor reported that the engine's fuel pump and ignition systems were not independent and he did not want to risk a downwind autorotation landing. When the instructor saw the rotor tachometer drop to 90 percent, he initiated an autorotation, assuming the helicopter had or was about to lose engine power. During the landing the left skid sank into the soft terrain and the helicopter subsequently rolled on to its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage during the precautionary landing.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-Soft-Not specified - F
Full Narrative
The certified flight instructor and the student pilot were on an instructional flight to practice autorotations and simulated engine failures. About 45 minutes into the flight the instructor noticed the engine tachometer read lower than the rotor tachometer. The student pilot checked the battery voltage and said that it was "low". The instructor reported that the engine's fuel pump and ignition systems were not independent and he did not want to risk a downwind autorotation landing. When the instructor saw the rotor tachometer drop to 90 percent, he initiated an autorotation, assuming the helicopter had or was about to lose engine power. During the landing the left skid sank into the soft terrain and the helicopter subsequently rolled on to its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage during the precautionary landing.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CST
Nearest Airport2nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWilley Rotorway Exec 90
Tail NumberN5251B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RW-100 · Reciprocating
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 32 · Sprt · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 12 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC