NTSB Factual Report

On April 24, 2018, about 1403 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Mosquito XE helicopter, N911CY, was destroyed by a postimpact fire after a hard landing shortly after takeoff from Gaines Valley Aviation Airport (NY06), Albion, New York. The private pilot was seriously injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot advised him while hospitalized that after takeoff, while flying about twice the height of powerlines in a westerly direction over a field, the helicopter experienced a partial loss of engine power. He began looking for a place to land, and then the engine experienced total loss of power. He indicated that the helicopter did not have adequate main rotor rpm to autorotate, and as a result it impacted hard.

A witness who was driving on Gaines Road near NY06 reported observing the helicopter hovering approximately 6 ft above ground level adjacent to hangars. He then observed the helicopter ascend "straight up" to about twice the height as nearby powerlines, and then proceeded in a westerly direction crossing Gaines Road. He observed a "small piece" separate and then heard a popping sound that was immediately followed by a grinding sound. The helicopter then began a steep descent during which time a "second piece" separated from the helicopter. The helicopter impacted the ground and immediately burst into flames. He called 911, then responded to the accident site and rendered assistance to the pilot until first responders arrived.

The helicopter, which was equipped with an Innovator Technologies Inntec 800 two-stroke, two cylinder, 85 horsepower engine, was retained for examination.