Amateur-built HELICYCLE N3375C accident near Stuart, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with a known discrepancy. Contributing to the accident was spilled fuel on the drive belts.

NTSB analysis

According to the student pilot of the amateur-built helicycle, he made an uneventful approach to a taxiway with a calm wind. About 1 foot above the ground, the nose started yawing to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to no effect, but was able to land the helicopter without incident. All instrument readings were normal and there were no unusual vibrations. Then, in an effort to move the helicopter from the taxiway, the pilot entered into a hover and applied right pedal to turn. The pilot continued raising the collective, and applied left pedal to stop the right turn; however, the helicopter would not stop turning. After the pilot lowered the collective the right skid hit the ground and collapsed, the rotor blades impacted the ground, and the lower portion of the vertical stabilizer was bent. The pilot subsequently determined that a fuel spill on the helicopter's drive belts resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA252 for the full record.