20020608012239A

(.19) On June 8, 2002, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt revolution mini 500 helicopter, N54VP, was destroyed in a post-impact fire, following a forced landing during a hover-taxi at Sterling Airport (3B3), Sterling, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight, conducted under 14 CFR part 91. According to the pilot, the helicopter lost power to the rotor system. The pilot attempted to autorotate, but as the helicopter settled back to the ground, the main rotor struck the tailboom, the right skid collapsed, and the helicopter rolled over on its right side. A certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic reported that he had seen the pilot conduct a preflight inspection and later start the helicopter's engine. The pilot performed a run-up; then the helicopter lifted off the ground and into a hover. The mechanic turned away to work on a glider, but looked up when he heard the helicopter's engine RPM rapidly increase. He then saw the helicopter's main rotor blades hit the ground and the helicopter roll over. A small fire began in the vicinity of theengine compartment (the engine was no longer running), and eventually consumed almost the entire helicopter. According to a federal aviation administration (FAA) inspector, among the charred remains of the helicopter, was a separated main rotor drive belt. The belt had worn areas along both edges. The belt had been supplied with the helicopter kit, and had accumulated 212 hours of operation. (-23) the pilot stated that during climb at approximately 30 to 40 feet above the ground he heard the rotorcraft engine speed increase rapidly. The pilot also stated that at the same time the rotorcraft lost power to the rotor system. The pilot attempted to autorotate but was unsuccessful. The rotorcraft settled to the ground, the main rotor struck the tailboom and the rotorcraft was consumed by fire.