On 2 May 2018, a MICHAEL R ALEXANDER MOSQUITO XE NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Iron Station, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The noncertificated pilot’s decision to practice hovering the helicopter in a confined space, which resulted in the tail rotor striking a tree. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A noncertificated pilot practicing hovering in his yard lost control of an experimental helicopter after the tail rotor struck a tree, leading to a ground impact and post-crash fire.
Accident Overview
A noncertificated pilot was practicing hovering maneuvers with an experimental amateur-built helicopter in his yard. During the hover, the helicopter's tail rotor struck a tree. The pilot reported that immediately following the strike, the helicopter developed "a huge vibration suddenly and [he] had no heading control." Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the ground and was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report form (6120.1), the pilot noted that he should have taken more dual instruction and should have chosen a more open area for hover practice.
Investigation
The accident involved an experimental amateur-built helicopter. The pilot was not certificated. The helicopter was destroyed by fire after impact. No further details about the aircraft or pilot qualifications were provided in the source.
Contributing factors
Causes
Heading/course — Not attained/maintainedPilot
Other contributing factors
Contributed to outcomeProp/rotor parameters — Not attained/maintained