Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control after the ground tie chain separated during engine run and hovering operations.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 8, 1999, about 1515 eastern daylight time, a Frederick Sweet Rotorway Exec, N31788, registered to an individual, collided with a tree while hovering at Fort Myers, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated he had chained the helicopter to the ground with a 2-foot-long chain. He only planned to hover the helicopter. He started the helicopter's engine and lifted the helicopter into a hover. The chain broke, the helicopter rolled to the side, and the main rotor contacted a palm tree. The helicopter then came to rest on its side.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA99LA121