Gray ROTORWAY EXEC N716JB

Summary

On 1 October 1999 at about 12:45 local time, a Gray ROTORWAY EXEC registered N716JB was involved in an accident near Gallup, New Mexico, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 October 1999 at 12:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Gallup, New Mexico, United States

Nearest airport

Gallup Municipal (GUP)

Coordinates

35.5192, -108.7307

Aircraft

Gray ROTORWAY EXEC

Registration

N716JB

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

DEN00LA001

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot inadvertently allowing main rotor rpm to decay while avoiding obstacles during an emergency autorotation following a loss of power for reasons undetermined. Factors were houses and powerlines.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot remained in the traffic pattern to practice touch and go landings. At approximately the point where the helicopter would turn onto the base leg, rotor rpm began to decay (95%). The pilot turned towards the runway and began autorotation. During the descent, the pilot managed to avoid houses and powerlines. The helicopter struck the ground tail first, then rolled over on its left side. The engine was later functionally tested and, despite impact damage to the crankshaft, operated normally.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.