Composite Fx MOSQUITO XE N869DJ

Summary

On 11 November 2024 at about 20:40 local time, a Composite Fx MOSQUITO XE registered N869DJ was involved in an accident near Waco, Texas, 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

11 November 2024 at 20:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Waco, Texas, United States

Coordinates

31.5067, -97.3046

Aircraft

Composite Fx MOSQUITO XE

Registration

N869DJ

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2018

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

McGregor → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN25LA038

1 person had minor injuries.

The total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain during an autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the improper sealing of the liquid cooling system.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while returning to the airport, the helicopter’s engine rpm dropped to zero with no warning. He initiated an autorotation and aligned the helicopter to touch down in an open field but noticed powerlines as he got closer. The pilot maneuvered away from the field and aimed for a clearing in a residential backyard. The main rotor blades impacted a tree, and the helicopter fell about 15 ft to the ground before it came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. According to maintenance records, the engine was removed and replaced about a month before the accident. Additionally, a condition inspection was completed by the owner four days before the accident during which he changed the spark plugs and adjusted the fuel mixture. A post-accident examination revealed corrosion at the radiator fill tube connection and a loose band clamp. Additionally, the engine exhibited signatures consistent with being operated at a temperature above the normal operating temperatures and evidence of piston seizure due to thermal expansion.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.