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June 27, 2009 · Sidler Mike Rotorway 162 F · N1934

Waxahachie, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Waxahachie, TX
Aircraft
Sidler Mike Rotorway 162 F
Tail Number
N1934
Operator
Sidler Mike
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA394

The private pilot was conducting a practice 180-degree power recovery autorotation in a helicopter with a clockwise rotating main rotor with a right crosswind of three knots. The pilot said he had a higher than expected rate of descent as he was flaring at zero airspeed and attempting a power recovery to terminate at a skid height of approximately 15 feet above ground level. Suddenly, and without warning the pilot lost directional control, the helicopter began to spin nose left, and his application of full right pedal had no effect. The pilot said he tried to keep the helicopter level while it was spinning, but it eventually impacted on the left side of the taxiway. The helicopter was substantially damaged when the left skid gear partially collapsed and the airframe and tail boom buckled. During the impact sequence the main rotor blades struck the tail boom and the main rotor blades and tail rotor blades struck the ground. An on-scene investigation by an FAA maintenance inspector confirmed flight control continuity and confirmed no apparent damage to the tail rotor drive belts. There was no post-crash fire and the pilot received minor injuries.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to control his rate of descent during autorotation, which required an aggressive recovery maneuver and resulted in a sudden loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Full Narrative

The private pilot was conducting a practice 180 degree power recovery autorotation in a helicopter with a clockwise rotating main rotor with a right crosswind of three knots. The pilot said he had a higher than expected rate of descent as he was flaring at zero airspeed and attempting a power recovery to terminate at a skid height of approximately 15 feet above ground level. Suddenly and without warning the pilot lost directional control, the helicopter began to spin nose left, and his application of full right pedal had no effect. The pilot said he tried to keep the helicopter level while it was spinning but it eventually impacted on the left side of the taxiway. The helicopter was substantially damaged when the left skid gear partially collapsed and the airframe and tail boom buckled. During the impact sequence the main rotor blades struck the tail boom and the main rotor blades and tail rotor blades struck the ground. An on-scene investigation by an FAA maintenance inspector confirmed flight control continuity and confirmed no apparent damage to the tail rotor drive belts. There was no post-crash fire and the pilot received minor injuries.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CDT
Nearest AirportMid-Way Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4999 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSidler Mike Rotorway 162 F
Tail NumberN1934
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSidler Mike
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RI 162F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time16:44
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data