Michael S/Michael K SAFARI N105KM
13 March 2012 · Middle Valley, Tennessee, United States · Serious injuries
Summary
On 13 March 2012 at about 21:45 local time, a Michael S/Michael K SAFARI registered N105KM was involved in an accident near Middle Valley, Tennessee, United States. 2 people were 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.
The record
- Date
- at 21:45
- Classification
- Accident
- Location
- Middle Valley, Tennessee, United States
- Coordinates
- 35.1903, -85.1839
- Aircraft
- Michael S/Michael K SAFARI
- Registration
- N105KM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2009
- Engines
- 1
- Operator
- Not recorded
- Operating rule
- Part 91: General Aviation
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
- Phase of flight
- Not recorded
- Route
- Hixson → Hixson
- Aircraft damage
- Substantial
- Weather
- VMC
- Light
- Day
- NTSB number
- ERA12LA226
People
1 person was seriously injured.
| On board | Died | Serious | Minor | Uninjured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of the airframe and engine.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.
Read the full NTSB narrative
The pilot of the experimental amateur-built helicopter reported that the engine shuddered twice momentarily shortly after takeoff and then lost power. After observing the engine rpm drop from about 2,700 to 1,500, the pilot initiated an autorotation and subsequently landed the helicopter on top of a tree, which began to lower toward a creek. The helicopter came to rest partially submerged in the creek and was partially consumed by a postcrash fire. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; however, impact and fire damage precluded the ability to functionally check the engine and fuel system. Review of engine monitor data, which was recorded at 5-second intervals, did not reveal any drops in engine rpm or any other anomalies consistent with the pilot's statement.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.
Other accidents in this area
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Apr 2012 | Mooney M20F | McKinnon, Tennessee, United States | - | Serious injuries | - |
| 19 Apr 2012 | Cessna 210 | Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States | McMillen Michael P | No injuries | - |
| 28 Jun 2012 | Let L-23 SUPER BLANIK | Benton, Tennessee, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 22 Sep 2012 | Piper PA-28-140 | Maryville, Tennessee, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 4 Mar 2012 | Cessna 172S | Lafayette, Tennessee, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 2 Dec 2012 | Cassutt SPORT RACER | Collegedale, Tennessee, United States | Andrews Clarence K JR | Fatal | 1 |