Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to a faulty electrical wiring crimp in the engine’s ignition system.
NTSB analysis
According to the commercial pilot, about 1 hour into a local flight, he felt the helicopter suddenly "kick from loss of torque." He then observed that the engine rpm had dropped to about 30%, and he was unable to increase engine power using the throttle control. The pilot responded by performing an autorotation to an open field. During the landing, the helicopter touched down hard, and the main rotor system struck the tailboom, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and tail rotor drive system.
During a postaccident engine run, the pilot found that a faulty wiring crimp resulted in a loss of electrical power to the coil pack of one of the cylinders, which resulted in the engine experiencing a partial loss of power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA291 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winchendon, Massachusetts
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built MOSQUITO
- N-number
- N285XE
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2015
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.