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NTSB Report

October 11, 2024 · Rotorway EXEC 90 · N314AC

Plymouth, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 2024
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Plymouth, IN
Aircraft
Rotorway EXEC 90 (2004)
Tail Number
N314AC
Operator
Rutherford Stephen M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA013

The helicopter owner/pilot reported that while he and his flight instructor were practicing an autorotation, the flight instructor heard a noise. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter started to yaw to the left and the airspeed decreased. The flight instructor took over control of the helicopter and initiated an autorotation to a corn field. The right skid caught the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The main rotor and fuselage sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that the forward tail rotor belt broke. The belt was found frayed at the separation point. A review of the tail rotor maintenance records revealed that the tail rotor belts had not been replaced since 2006. The manufacturer recommends tail rotor belt replacement at 250 hours, 2 years, or as needed upon conditional inspections, whichever comes first. The operator reported that before the accident the belts appeared to be in satisfactory condition but acknowledged they were beyond the 2-year service life and should have been replaced.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of control due to the failed forward tail rotor belt as a result of the owner’s failure to follow the helicopter manufacturer’s tail rotor belt replacement recommendations.

Full Narrative

On October 11, 2024, about 1650 eastern daylight time, a Rotorway Executive 90, N314AC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Plymouth, Indiana. The two pilots sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The owner and his flight instructor were flying the helicopter so the owner could gain proficiency. While preparing to practice an autorotation in the traffic pattern, the flight instructor told the owner that he heard a noise. Shortly thereafter, the nose of the helicopter started to yaw to the left. Airspeed began to slow, and the left yaw accelerated. The flight instructor took control of the helicopter and autorotated into a cornfield. The right skid caught the ground; the helicopter rolled onto its side, and came to rest on its right side. The main rotor and fuselage were substantially damaged. A postaccident examination revealed that the forward tail rotor drive belt was broken. The belt was frayed at the separation point. According to the owner, who is also an airframe and powerplant mechanic, the helicopter was in storage for several years before he purchased it in September 2024. A review of the tail rotor maintenance records revealed that after purchase, the owner inspected the tail rotor pulleys, bearings, bolts, and belt tension. He also greased the tail rotor slider. The annual condition inspection was signed off on the day of the accident. The maintenance manual for the helicopter recommends that the tail rotor belts be replaced every 250 hours, every 2 years, or as needed upon condition inspections, whichever comes first. All three tail rotor belts were replaced in January 2006 and the center tail rotor belt was replaced in September 2006. There is no indication in the tail rotor maintenance records that any of the tail rotor belts were replaced after 2006. The operator reported that before the accident the belts appeared to be in satisfactory condition but acknowledged they were beyond the 2-year service life and should have been replaced.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 EDT
Nearest AirportPlymouth Municipal (1nm ENE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRotorway EXEC 90
Tail NumberN314AC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRutherford Stephen M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway International · RW 162 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 56 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data