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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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November 4, 2008 · Sundt Daniel N Rotorway Exec 162-F · N8286D

West Chester, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
West Chester, PA
Aircraft
Sundt Daniel N Rotorway Exec 162-F
Tail Number
N8286D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA042

The pilot/builder of the amateur-built Rotorway Exec 162-F stated that while hovering the helicopter over a taxiway, he initiated a 180-degree left pedal turn. During the turn, the helicopter rolled right and impacted the ground on its right side. The helicopter had accumulated about 4 total flight hours since the pilot had completed building it. The pilot reported that he possessed about 2,000 total hours of flight experience, with 24 hours in rotorcraft (all of which were in the accident helicopter make and model). Additionally, the pilot also held a solo endorsement to fly the accident helicopter make and model. The pilot reported that there were no problems with the performance and handling of the helicopter. The pilot further stated that he believed he may have been hovering the helicopter closer to the ground than he had previously thought while performing the pedal turn, and that one of the skids may have impacted the pavement during the turn and initiated the rollover.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance above terrain while performing a pedal turn.

Full Narrative

The pilot/builder of the amateur-built Rotorway Exec 162-F stated that while hovering the helicopter over a taxiway, he initiated a 180-degree left pedal turn. During the turn, the helicopter rolled right and impacted the ground on its right side. The helicopter had accumulated about 4 total flight hours since the pilot had completed building it. The pilot reported that he possessed about 2,000 total hours of flight experience, with 24 hours in rotorcraft (all of which were in the accident helicopter make and model). Additionally, the pilot also held a solo endorsement to fly the accident helicopter make and model. The pilot reported that there were no problems with the performance and handling of the helicopter. The pilot further stated that he believed he may have been hovering the helicopter closer to the ground than he had previously thought while performing the pedal turn, and that one of the skids may have impacted the pavement during the turn and initiated the rollover.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:45 EST
Nearest AirportBrandywine Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSundt Daniel N Rotorway Exec 162-F
Tail NumberN8286D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway International · RI 162F · Reciprocating · 147
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 46
Altimeter30.40 inHg
Observation Time12:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data