N5996X

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.