Training Helicopter Rolls Over During Simulated Engine Failure

Casualties unknown • In a wheat field, approximately 3 nm east of Morning Star Aerodrome, ZA

A Rotorway Executive 162 training flight ended in a dynamic rollover in a Western Cape wheat field after an instructor failed to recover from a simulated engine failure.

What happened

On 18 October 2010, a Rotorway Executive 162 was conducting a training flight from Morning Star Aerodrome in the Western Cape, destined for Fisantekraal airfield. During a climb at approximately 1,500 ft AMSL, the instructor initiated a demonstration of a simulated engine failure by reducing the throttle.

While the initial entry into autorotation was successful, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the recovery phase. As the pilot attempted to restore power at the pre-briefed altitude, the engine failed to regain power and began to splutter. With the aircraft descending rapidly, the instructor opted for an autorotation landing in an open wheat field. Upon touchdown, the helicopter struck the ground on the left-hand skid and subsequently rolled onto its right side. There were no fatalities or injuries to the two occupants on board.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed data from the engine's Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. The investigation confirmed that the engine and its management systems were operating normally prior to the incident and that no mechanical defects or fuel contamination contributed to the failure.

Technical analysis of the FADEC logs revealed that the second autorotation was performed too low to the ground. The data showed that while rotor and engine RPM had reached 95% roughly 23 seconds before impact, the pilot did not apply full throttle until much later. This delay, combined with the high load, caused the RPM to drop significantly. The investigation also noted that the impact was characterized by a high descent angle with no evidence of a flare at touchdown, as indicated by the damage to the front of the undercarriage.

Findings

  • The instructor performed the second simulated engine failure too close to the ground.
  • Incorrect coordination of the throttle and collective pitch led to a loss of engine RPM during the recovery attempt.
  • The pilot over-pitched the collective blades in an attempt to arrest the rate of descent, which further prevented the engine from recovering power.
  • The aircraft impacted the ground with a high descent angle and insufficient rotor RPM, leading to a hard landing and a subsequent dynamic rollover.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the improper coordination of throttle and collective pitch during a simulated engine failure, which resulted in a loss of engine RPM and a subsequent hard landing and rollover.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-10-18 Rotorway Executive 162 accident near In a wheat field, approximately 3 nm east of Morning Star Aerodrome, ZA?

A Rotorway Executive 162 training flight ended in a dynamic rollover in a Western Cape wheat field after an instructor failed to recover from a simulated engine failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-10-18 involved a Rotorway Executive 162, registration ZU-DCI, at In a wheat field, approximately 3 nm east of Morning Star Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the improper coordination of throttle and collective pitch during a simulated engine failure, which resulted in a loss of engine RPM and a subsequent hard landing and rollover.

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