Pilot Debrief

Worthington Rotorway near Pattison, TX — 2010-09-25

Final reportCEN10LA558
Sign in to save
Date
2010-09-25
Location
Pattison, TX, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
Worthington Rotorway
Registration
N520RW
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

A witness working in a field observed the helicopter fly overhead and heard the rotor blades making "funny noises." Shortly after, the witness lost sight of the helicopter and observed a plume of smoke. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the flight control system, rotor system, or engine. A technical representative of the helicopter manufacturer examined the photographs taken on scene, and reported that the main rotor blades displayed signatures consistent with a decay of the main rotor rpm.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a thorough preflight inspection after maintenance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps