Accident Details
On October 11, 2024, at approximately 1650 eastern daylight time, a Rotorway Executive 90 helicopter (registration N314AC) was substantially damaged in an accident near Plymouth, Indiana. The two pilots on board sustained minor injuries. The flight was being conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight, with the owner and his flight instructor on board for the owner to gain proficiency.
While preparing to practice an autorotation in the traffic pattern, the flight instructor heard a noise. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter's nose began to yaw to the left. Airspeed decreased, and the left yaw accelerated. The flight instructor took control of the helicopter and performed an autorotation into a cornfield. During the landing, the right skid caught the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its side and come to rest on its right side. The main rotor and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed that the forward tail rotor drive belt was broken. The belt was frayed at the separation point.
Maintenance History
The owner, who is also an airframe and powerplant mechanic, reported that the helicopter had been in storage for several years before he purchased it in September 2024. A review of the tail rotor maintenance records indicated that after the purchase, the owner inspected the tail rotor pulleys, bearings, bolts, and belt tension, and also greased the tail rotor slider. The annual condition inspection was signed off on the day of the accident.
According to the maintenance manual, the tail rotor belts should be replaced every 250 hours, every 2 years, or as needed upon condition inspections, whichever comes first. The records show that all three tail rotor belts were replaced in January 2006, and the center belt was replaced again in September 2006. There is no indication that any tail rotor belts were replaced after 2006. The operator stated that before the accident the belts appeared to be in satisfactory condition but acknowledged they were beyond the 2-year service life and should have been replaced.