Pilot Debrief

COTTON GALEN M HELICYCLE near Houston, TX — 2008-12-30

Final reportCEN09LA113
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Date
2008-12-30
Location
Houston, TX, USA
Airport
DWH
Aircraft
COTTON GALEN M HELICYCLE
Registration
N555CX
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during a hover landing which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed in his single-engine experimental helicopter in calm wind conditions with a hover transition approximately six feet above the ground when the helicopter yawed to the left and the engine surged. He immediately began to maneuver back toward level ground but the engine stopped producing power and continued to yaw to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and directional control and subsequently contacted the ground with the nose of the helicopter pointed approximately 35 degrees to the left of the direction of flight. The right skid collapsed upon impact and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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