OMLIN ROBERT G EXEC 162F ROTORWAY
Quincy, WA — July 5, 2012
Event Information
| Date | July 5, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR12CA294 |
| Event ID | 20120705X10827 |
| Location | Quincy, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.17073, -119.79933 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | OMLIN ROBERT G |
| Model | EXEC 162F ROTORWAY |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to ensure that a flag attached to the landing skid was properly secured, which resulted in its in-flight separation and contact with the tail rotor.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that prior to departure he attached a three-foot by four-foot American flag to the landing skids of the helicopter. Following an uneventful takeoff, he climbed to an altitude of about 200 feet above ground level. Shortly thereafter, the flag disconnected from the skids and impacted the tail rotor. The pilot initiated an autorotation to a nearby field. Examination of the helicopter by the pilot revealed that about half of the tail boom and tail rotor assembly was separated. The pilot reported that prior to the flag separating, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures existed with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
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.