Pilot Debrief

CHILDS MICHAEL A ROTORWAY EXEC 162-F near Titusville, FL — 2022-11-27

Final reportERA23LA073
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Date
2022-11-27
Location
Titusville, FL, USA
Airport
TIX
Aircraft
CHILDS MICHAEL A ROTORWAY EXEC 162-F
Registration
N8006A
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A failure of the No. 4 exhaust valve spring retainer, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor, who was also the owner of the experimental amateur-built helicopter, said that shortly after takeoff, while about 150 ft above ground level, the helicopter’s engine lost partial power with “severe backfiring.” He declared an emergency, turned back to the airport, and landed on a grassy area. Upon touchdown, the helicopter’s front left skid dug into the grass and the helicopter rolled over. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the No. 4 exhaust valve spring retainer was missing. The engine maintenance manual required inspection of the valve train system, including the spring retainer, every 25 hours. A review of the engine maintenance logbook revealed that the flight instructor/owner had performed the 25-hour inspection about 8.8 hours before the accident. The reason for the separation of the valve spring retainer was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Inspection of the valve train system should have been more thorough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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