Pilot Debrief

ROBBINS C/ROBBINS J ROTORWAY EXEC 162F near Towanda, PA — 2025-07-04

Final reportERA25LA259
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Date
2025-07-04
Location
Towanda, PA, USA
Aircraft
ROBBINS C/ROBBINS J ROTORWAY EXEC 162F
Registration
N31XR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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