N496SB

Substantial
None

BOYKIN STEPHEN VANCE ROTORWAY ES/N: 6992

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 16, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR10CA023
Location
Meiners Oaks, CA
Event ID
20091019X81850
Coordinates
34.449722, -119.275276
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper preflight planning which resulted in a takeoff with a tailwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BOYKIN STEPHEN VANCE
Serial Number
6992
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2006
Model / ICAO
ROTORWAY EFK9
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
ROTORWAY EXEC 162F

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BOYKIN STEPHEN V
Address
1884 CALLE YUCCA
City
THOUSAND OAKS
State / Zip Code
CA 91360-2253
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot reported that he completed an emergency off-airport landing, in mountainous terrain, to avoid poor weather and fog during a cross-country flight in the single engine helicopter. He reported that he sat in position for about forty minutes to burn off fuel and "…lighten the aircraft." The pilot then lifted off and repositioned the helicopter to a nearby dirt road. The pilot sat in position for an additional hour to "burn off as much fuel as I could to lighten the ship." The pilot departed a second time; however, during the takeoff the helicopter "didn't have enough lift" and subsequently settled and collided with the terrain. The pilot reported that he thought he was taking off into the wind, instead he took off with a tailwind. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom assembly. No preimpact mechanical failures were reported.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA023