Overview
On November 2, 2019, at approximately 1310 Eastern Standard Time, an unregistered experimental amateur-built Mosquito XE285 helicopter sustained substantial damage while attempting to land at a private residence in Seffner, Florida. The helicopter, operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, had departed from the same residence about 15 minutes earlier. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the helicopter landed too fast, causing the main rotor blade to flex downward and strike the tail. The helicopter then rolled over. A neighbor who observed the event reported that the pilot had purchased the single-seat helicopter about six months prior and often practiced takeoffs on her property. She described the landing as hard, with the helicopter bouncing repeatedly before flipping over and crashing.
Aircraft Information
The Mosquito XE285 was manufactured in 2019 and had accumulated 16 total flight hours at the time of the accident. The helicopter was not registered. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies before the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine rating but was not rated to fly helicopters. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration third-class medical certificate was issued on January 15, 2015, at which time he reported 200 total flight hours. The pilot sustained serious injuries in the accident.
Weather Conditions
At 1335, the weather at Tampa Executive Airport, located about 15 miles northwest of the accident site, was reported as calm wind, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 3,500 feet, broken clouds at 4,500 feet, overcast clouds at 6,000 feet, temperature 27°C, dew point 22°C, and a barometric pressure of 30.01 inches of mercury.