# NTSB CHI92DCG04: Dennis L. Fetters Mini 500, N500ZZ, Missouri City, MO, June 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1992, 07:00 local (12:00 UTC)
- Place: Missouri City, MO
- Coordinates: 39.240432, -94.41027 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2404&lon=-94.4103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15218
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92DCG04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15218/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92DCG04

## Probable cause

AN IMPROPER CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN MECHANICAL BINDING BETWEEN THE ROD AND THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - improper (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - seized (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - aircraft performance,landing capability - exceeded (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER WAS PERFORMING TEST FLIGHTS USING VARIOUS FLIGHT ATTITUDES TO CHANGE AIRFLOW PATTERNS THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER.  THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TOO FAST AND TOO LOW TO COMPLETE A SMOOTH LANDING.  DURING TOUCHDOWN THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.  POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE BORE DIAMETER ON THE CONNECTING ROD WAS INCORRECT WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE CRANKSHAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N500ZZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N500ZZ-2013-09-20), registration cancelled 2013-09-20, S/N 0000, built 1992 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DENNIS L. FETTERS MINI 500
- Registry model: [Fetters Dennis L MINI 500](https://openairdocs.org/model/fetters-dennis-l-mini-500) (registry code 13015HW) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0000
- Airframe hours: 4
- Engines: ROTAX 582 67 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Dennis L. Fetters
- Registered owner: Dennis L. Fetters
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: Liberty Landing

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,520 total, 4 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920625024549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920625024549A), Jun 25, 1992: Amtr MINI500, Missouri City, MO, Substantial damage. Engine over heated due improper crankshaft connecting rod bearing bore. Engine returned to builder. Research test.

## Other investigations on N500ZZ (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI95FA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95FA242), Jul 27, 1995: Revolution Helicopter MINI-500 (N500ZZ), Oshkosh, WI, substantial damage. Probable cause: the inadequate design of the helicopter skid shoes. Factors related to the accident were: false indications of rotor rpm and EGT which led to seizure of the piston.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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