Stern ROTORWAY EXEC 162F N88XS

Summary

On 5 February 1999 at about 20:43 local time, a Stern ROTORWAY EXEC 162F registered N88XS was involved in an accident near Tucson, Arizona, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 February 1999 at 20:43

Classification

Accident

Location

Tucson, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Ryan Field (RYN)

Coordinates

32.1894, -110.9807

Aircraft

Stern ROTORWAY EXEC 162F

Registration

N88XS

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX99LA089

1 person had minor injuries.

The sudden development of a wind gust which resulted in the pilot losing control, and the helicopter's dynamic rollover when a skid contacted the ground.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

After flying for about 1 hour, the student pilot hovered 2 feet above ground level about 50 yards away from a witness. The local wind speed had varied between calm and 5 knots during the flight. The witness and pilot reported that suddenly an estimated 25 knot (maximum) wind gust developed. The gust pushed the helicopter sideways, the pilot lost control, a skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over onto its side.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.