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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 23, 2011 · D & D Aircraft Rotorway EXEC · N614S

Massillon, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Massillon, OH
Aircraft
D & D Aircraft Rotorway EXEC
Tail Number
N614S
Operator
Dubert Jay
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA305

The pilot reported that during cruise flight the engine speed increased to a high rpm and power was no longer being transmitted to the rotor system. He initiated an autorotation to a sloping, plowed field that was soft due to recent rain. The tail struck the ground during the landing flare and the main rotor blades contacted the tailboom. Postaccident inspection of the helicopter revealed the inner race of the bearing on the secondary shaft, located above the transmission clutch, was worn into the shaft, which most likely caused the clutch to disengage. This prevented the engine power from being translated to the main rotor. The cause of the wear was undetermined, and the secondary shaft was designed by the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The excessive wear on the secondary shaft, from the inner bearing race, which resulted in the transmission clutch disengagement and a loss of power to the rotor system.

Full Narrative

On April 23, 2011, at 1541 eastern daylight time, a D&D Aircraft Rotorway Exec, N614S, an experimental, amateur built helicopter, collided with the terrain during an off airport forced landing in Massillon, Ohio. The pilot received a minor injury while exiting the helicopter. The helicopter received substantial damage. The personal flight was being operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from a private field in Massillon, Ohio. The pilot reported that during cruise flight the engine speed increased to a high rpm and the power was no longer being transmitted through to the rotor system. He initiated an autorotation to a sloping, plowed field that was soft due to recent rain. The tail struck the ground during the landing flare and the main rotor blades contacted the tailboom. The helicopter rolled over due to the downward slope and the soft terrain. Postaccident inspection of the helicopter by the pilot/builder and Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed the inner race of the bearing on the secondary shaft, located above the transmission clutch, was worn into the shaft. The secondary shaft was designed by the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:41 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftD & D Aircraft Rotorway EXEC
Tail NumberN614S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDubert Jay
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RW152 · Reciprocating · 152
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 21 kt, gusting 28 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 57
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data