Accident Details
On November 27, 2022, at approximately 1130 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Rotorway Exec 162-F helicopter, registration N8006A, was substantially damaged during an accident near Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX) in Titusville, Florida. The flight instructor and a pilot trainee were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Event Sequence
The flight instructor, who also owned the helicopter, reported that shortly after takeoff, while at an altitude of about 150 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a partial loss of power accompanied by severe backfiring. He declared an emergency and turned the helicopter back toward the airport, landing on a grassy area. Upon touchdown, with a ground speed estimated at 5 to 10 mph, the helicopter's front left skid dug into the grass. The helicopter subsequently entered a dynamic rollover and came to rest on its left side. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor blades.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 exhaust valve spring retainer was missing. The engine maintenance manual specified that the valve train system, including the spring retainer, should be inspected every 25 hours. The manual included a note cautioning operators to observe the relative depth of the keeper set in each spring retainer, advising that no keeper set should be sunk deeply into a retainer, and that any change in position warranted cessation of engine operation.
Previous Inspection
A review of the engine logbook showed that the instructor/owner had performed the 25-hour inspection on October 11, 2022, approximately 8.8 flight hours before the accident.