Accident Details
Date
Saturday, May 6, 2006
NTSB Number
NYC06CA110
Location
Hampton Roads, VA
Event ID
20060607X00692
Coordinates
36.779998, -76.448890
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadvertent activation of the helicopter manufacturer's improperly located, unguarded fuel shutoff switch.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N636WP
Make
HELO WERKS
Serial Number
001
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
PENA ANTHONY D
Address
12 SHELTON RD
Status
Deregistered
City
HAMPTON
State / Zip Code
VA 23663-1432
Country
United States
Analysis
During a flight test of the experimental helicopter, the pilot inadvertently shut off the fuel supply to the engine while flaring to land, approximately 15 feet above the ground. The helicopter impacted the ground tail first, the landing gear cross tubes collapsed and broke at the fuselage attach points, and the main rotor struck the tail boom. Examination of the helicopter revealed that the fuel shut off switch was unguarded and mounted on the cyclic.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC06CA110