SUNDT DANIEL N Rotorway Exec 162-F
West Chester, PA — November 4, 2008
Event Information
| Date | November 4, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA042 |
| Event ID | 20081107X52125 |
| Location | West Chester, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.99000, -75.58167 |
| Airport | Brandywine Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | SUNDT DANIEL N |
| Model | Rotorway Exec 162-F |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance above terrain while performing a pedal turn.
Full Narrative
The pilot/builder of the amateur-built Rotorway Exec 162-F stated that while hovering the helicopter over a taxiway, he initiated a 180-degree left pedal turn. During the turn, the helicopter rolled right and impacted the ground on its right side. The helicopter had accumulated about 4 total flight hours since the pilot had completed building it. The pilot reported that he possessed about 2,000 total hours of flight experience, with 24 hours in rotorcraft (all of which were in the accident helicopter make and model). Additionally, the pilot also held a solo endorsement to fly the accident helicopter make and model. The pilot reported that there were no problems with the performance and handling of the helicopter. The pilot further stated that he believed he may have been hovering the helicopter closer to the ground than he had previously thought while performing the pedal turn, and that one of the skids may have impacted the pavement during the turn and initiated the rollover.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.