NTSB Factual Report

On May 15, 2003, at 1530 central daylight time, a Rotorway Exec 162F helicopter, N212DP, registered to and operated by a private individual, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Longview, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed from a private residence approximately 10 minutes prior, and was destined for the East Texas Regional Airport (GGG), near Longview, Texas.

The 269-hour pilot reported in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he climbed to an altitude of approximately 250 feet agl, and attempted to contact the air traffic control tower at GGG on the radio. The pilot stated as he pressed the push to talk (PTT) button on the cyclic control, the "engine had a flame out." He immediately entered an autorotation, and selected a landing area. Due to obstacles in the flight path of the helicopter, he was forced to turn the helicopter and "attempt a landing on a downhill slope." During the landing, the helicopter nosed over and came to rest on its right side.

During a telephone interview, the pilot reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that he was having problems with the radio and installed a new one prior to the accident flight. He stated that after takeoff he pressed the PTT and it "caused the ignition system to go out."

Examination of the turbine-powered helicopter by an FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed both main rotor blades were damaged. The tail boom was bent, and the aft three feet of the tail boom was separated.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the engine ignition system for undetermined reasons resulting in a loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for an auto rotational landing.