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NTSB Report
May 24, 2008 · Rotorway 162F · N771SS
Gonzales, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Gonzales, TX
Aircraft
Rotorway 162F
Tail Number
N771SS
Operator
Jonathan Houser
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DFW08CA152
The private pilot and his passenger had just departed in a single-engine experimental helicopter when he heard a "loud pop" followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot entered an autorotation from an altitude of 75 feet and flared at approximately 40 feet above the ground to avoid hitting trees. The helicopter landed hard in a grass field and the skids were spread upon impact. The two occupants were able to deplane before the engine exhaust caught the surrounding grass on fire, and subsequently destroyed the helicopter. The pilot reported that the main drive belt, which he had been recently replaced, had failed. The helicopter wreckage was examined by an FAA inspector; however, the drive belt could not be located and it was assumed to have been destroyed in the post-impact fire.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft propeller/rotor-Main rotor drive-(general)-Failure - C
Full Narrative
The private pilot and his passenger had just departed in a single-engine experimental helicopter when he heard a "loud pop" followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot entered an autorotation from an altitude of 75 feet and flared at approximately 40 feet above the ground to avoid hitting trees. The helicopter landed hard in a grass field and the skids were spread upon impact. The two occupants were able to deplane before the engine exhaust caught the surrounding grass on fire, and subsequently destroyed the helicopter. The pilot reported that the main drive belt, which he had been recently replaced, had failed. The helicopter wreckage was examined by an FAA inspector; however, the drive belt could not be located and it was assumed to have been destroyed in the post-impact fire.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft
AircraftRotorway 162F
Tail NumberN771SS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJonathan Houser
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · 162F · Reciprocating
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0