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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 4, 2025 · Robbins C/Robbins J Rotorway EXEC 162F · N31XR

Towanda, PA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Towanda, PA
Aircraft
Robbins C/Robbins J Rotorway EXEC 162F (2007)
Tail Number
N31XR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ERA25LA259

According to the pilot, about 20 minutes into a local flight, he observed smoke entering the cockpit of the experimental amateur-built helicopter while he was executing a turn. The pilot initiated a precautionary autorotation to a hayfield. After landing, he observed flames emanating from the lower aft left side of the fuselage, which quickly intensified. The pilot exited the helicopter and contacted emergency services. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site reported that the helicopter had been largely consumed by the fire. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the entire fuel system had been destroyed. A review of maintenance records indicated that both fuel lines to the fuel pumps had been replaced 13 flight hours before the accident due to a low fuel pressure anomaly. Due to the extent of the fire damage, the origin of the fire could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of fire damage.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, about 20 minutes into a local flight, he observed smoke entering the cockpit of the experimental amateur-built helicopter while he was executing a turn. The pilot initiated a precautionary autorotation to a hayfield. After landing, he observed flames emanating from the lower aft left side of the fuselage, which quickly intensified. The pilot exited the helicopter and contacted emergency services. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site reported that the helicopter had been largely consumed by the fire. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the entire fuel system had been destroyed. A review of maintenance records indicated that both fuel lines to the fuel pumps had been replaced 13 flight hours before the accident due to a low fuel pressure anomaly. Due to the extent of the fire damage, the origin of the fire could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobbins C/Robbins J Rotorway EXEC 162F
Tail NumberN31XR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotorway · RI-162F · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data