While Hover Taxiing The Helicopter Back To His Hangar After A Short Practice Flight, The Experimental Engine Lost Power

Location: Blaine, Minnesota Accident Number: CEN25LA041
Date & Time: November 15, 2024, 04:47 Local Registration: Rotorway
Aircraft: Rotorway Exec 162 F Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial) Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that while hover taxiing the helicopter back to his hangar after a short practice flight, the experimental engine lost power, and he was unable to maintain altitude. Due to the low altitude and the rapid loss of power, the pilot was not able to autorotate, and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side.

The fuselage and tail boom sustained substantial damage. Subsequent test runs of the helicopter’s experimental engine did not reveal a reason for the power loss that occurred.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- A loss of engine power that resulted in a hard landing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov