Accident Details
On January 21, 2018, about 1545 eastern standard time, an unregistered Mosquito XEL helicopter sustained substantial damage following a loss of control and collision with terrain near Loxahatchee, Florida. The non-certificated pilot/owner was seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a personal test flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed from a private residence.
According to the pilot, this was his first flight in the accident helicopter. He performed a brief takeoff to a hover followed by a normal landing. During a second attempted takeoff and hover, the helicopter gained altitude and began yawing to the left. It reached treetop height, about 60 feet, and continued to spin before descending and impacting the ground.
Aircraft Information
The single-seat helicopter was equipped with a two-blade, semi-rigid main rotor system and powered by a Compact Radial MZ202 60 hp engine. The pilot purchased the helicopter in a ready-to-operate condition. An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and found damage to the skids, lower fuselage, main rotor blades, and tail boom. FAA airworthiness records showed the helicopter was not registered and had never received an airworthiness certificate. No maintenance records were available.
Pilot Information
According to FAA airman records, the pilot did not hold any FAA-issued pilot certificate. The FAA Inspector reported that the pilot had accumulated about 60 hours of dual instruction in two other helicopter makes and models over the preceding 24 months. The pilot's logbook indicated his last logged flight occurred on August 13, 2016.
Weather Conditions
At 1553, the reported weather at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), located 12 nautical miles east of the accident site, included: wind from 080° at 16 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 2,000 feet, broken clouds at 6,500 feet, temperature 24°C, dew point 18°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.14 inches of mercury.