Pilot Debrief

SANDS THOMAS E ROTORWAY 162 near Graysville, TN — 2008-07-27

Final reportNYC08LA259
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Date
2008-07-27
Location
Graysville, TN, USA
Aircraft
SANDS THOMAS E ROTORWAY 162
Registration
N412TS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A loss of control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The amateur-built helicopter had flown 57 hours since new. The new owner performed a detailed preflight inspection and repetitive run up checks prior to departure, with no mechanical anomalies noted. After takeoff, the pilot climbed to about 600 feet above the ground, flew straight for approximately 2 miles, then turned to the left. During the turn, the pilot noted a low frequency vibration, and an "unusual back pressure on the cyclic." Coming out of the turn, back pressure to the cyclic increased. Indicated airspeed was 75 mph, and all gauges were "in the green." As the helicopter continued straight and level, back pressure continued to increase, requiring more forward cyclic to maintain airspeed and level flight. The pilot climbed, and turned back toward the departure point. After the turn, the helicopter initiated an uncommanded nose up attitude and rolled to the left, with the nose then dropping so low that the pilot was looking at the ground. The pilot arrested the turn utilizing collective and throttle, and by "forcibly" pulling and pushing on the cyclic as needed. He then performed a "quasi-controllable" autorotation to the ground, landing on the skids, heading down-slope on a hill, with no forward or side motion. The helicopter subsequently rolled over on its right side, and fuel ignited as the pilot exited through the broken windshield. Due to the helicopter being consumed in the postcrash fire, a thorough examination was not possible.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noting low frequency vibration.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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