Summary
On October 01, 1994, a Brantly Helicopter B-2 (N5996X) was involved in an incident near Houston, TX. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.
On October 1, 1994, at 1845 central daylight time, a Brantly B-2, N5996X, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing near Houston, Texas. The helicopter was flown by an airline transport rated pilot for a local personal flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured.
During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the helicopter was in cruise flight when the "engine had a loss of power and surged." He further reported that he "initiated a precautionary autorotation procedure." The power on autorotation was reported to be uneventful until the "skids became tangled in bean vines," during the ground run, and the helicopter turned "90 degrees"...
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW95LA007. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5996X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On October 1, 1994, at 1845 central daylight time, a Brantly B-2, N5996X, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing near Houston, Texas. The helicopter was flown by an airline transport rated pilot for a local personal flight. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured.
During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the helicopter was in cruise flight when the "engine had a loss of power and surged." He further reported that he "initiated a precautionary autorotation procedure." The power on autorotation was reported to be uneventful until the "skids became tangled in bean vines," during the ground run, and the helicopter turned "90 degrees" and "gently rolled over."
An examination of the engine by the operator and a Federal Aviation inspector failed to reveal the reason for the erratic engine power.
The helicopter sustained damage to the skids, airframe, and main rotor blades.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA007