On December 16, 2002, an Anderson Rotorway EXEC 162F (registration N30545) was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the exhaust valve stem in the number 1 cylinder, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the landing flare and a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an instructional flight, the helicopter experienced engine problems. The instructor attempted a normal landing, but during flare a loud growling noise was heard followed by rotor rpm and power reduction. The helicopter contacted ground with forward speed, tipped forward, nose and main rotor blades struck ground, rolled over, and came to rest on left side. Post-accident examination revealed a fractured exhaust valve stem in cylinder 1 and extensive internal damage.
Flight and Incident
After takeoff on an instructional flight, the helicopter experienced engine problems. The instructor decided to execute a normal approach to land. During the flare, a loud "growling" noise was heard, followed by a reduction in rotor rpm and power. The helicopter made ground contact with forward speed, tipped forward, and the nose and main rotor blades contacted the ground. The helicopter rolled over and came to rest on its left side.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the exhaust valve stem in the number 1 cylinder had fractured and separated. Extensive mechanical damage occurred to the interior of the number 1 cylinder.
What happened in the 16 Dec 2002 Anderson Rotorway EXEC 162F accident near Phoenix, AZ?
During an instructional flight, the helicopter experienced engine problems. The instructor attempted a normal landing, but during flare a loud growling noise was heard followed by rotor rpm and power reduction. The helicopter contacted ground with forward speed, tipped forward, nose and main rotor blades struck…
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 2002 Anderson Rotorway EXEC 162F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Dec 2002 involved an Anderson Rotorway EXEC 162F, registration N30545, at Phoenix, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The separation of the exhaust valve stem in the number 1 cylinder, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the landing flare and a hard landing.
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