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September 16, 2017 · Gaddis Michael EXEC 162 F NO Series · N123XZ

Plymouth, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 16, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Plymouth, IN
Aircraft
Gaddis Michael EXEC 162 F NO Series (1998)
Tail Number
N123XZ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN17LA365

As the helicopter approached the airport, the pilot reported that the helicopter's engine rpm increased, and the rotor rpm decayed. He conducted an autorotation to the field. An examination of the helicopter revealed that the helicopter's main rotor drive belt/cog belt lost teeth resulting in a failure of the belt to drive the main rotor blades. The drive belt had recently been installed, about 3.5 hours prior to the accident. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with improper tension of the cog belt resulting in a failure of the belt.

NTSB Probable Cause

A failure of the drive belt for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On September 16, 2017, about 1715 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Exec 162-F helicopter, N123XZ, performed a forced landing to a field near Plymouth, Indiana. The pilot and passenger were not injured, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The helicopter was registered to North Indiana Rotor LLC and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight departed from Plymouth Municipal Airport (C65), Plymouth, Indiana.The pilot reported that while approaching the airport, the helicopter's engine rpm increased, and the rotor rpm decayed. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot conducted an autorotation to a field. The helicopter landed hard, the skids bent, and the tail boom buckled, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the helicopter by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the helicopter had a Pro Drive system driving the main rotor blades. The main rotor drive belt/cog belt began losing teeth resulting in a failure of the belt to drive the main rotor blades. The Goodyear Falcon PD belt had recently been installed, about 3.5 hours prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGaddis Michael EXEC 162 F NO Series
Tail NumberN123XZ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · 162-F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time21:15

Appendix: Source Data