# NTSB FTW89DPJ01: Autra Scorpion/133, N137A, Mcalester, OK, October 10, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: October 10, 1988, 13:17 local (18:17 UTC)
- Place: Mcalester, OK
- Coordinates: 34.920581, -95.760391 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9206&lon=-95.7604&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22695
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DPJ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22695/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DPJ01

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT HELICOPTER WAS DEPARTING ON A LOCAL FLIGHT, WHEN, ON INITIAL CLIMBOUT, THE LOW TIME, INEXPERIENCED STUDENT PILOT MADE AN ABRUPT MANEUVER WHICH SENT THE HELICOPTER INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. IT IMPACTED TREES AND A POST CRASH FIRE OCCURRED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N137A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N137A-2012-08-10), registration cancelled 2012-08-10, S/N 6382 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AUTRA SCORPION/133 (SCORPION/1)
- Registry model: [Autra ROTORCRAFT SCORPION](https://openairdocs.org/model/autra-rotorcraft-scorpion) (registry code 1300939) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1376
- Engines: ROTORWAY RW 133 133 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Thomas Autra
- Registered owner: Robert Thomas Avtra
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 5, 1988

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 6 total, 6 in this make and model, 6 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCL, 2 nm away

## 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 19881010045729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881010045729A), Oct 10, 1988: Amtrrw SCORPION1, Mcalester, OK, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control, rolled over and crashed on climbout. Not endorsed for the 300 foot altitude or maneuver attempted.

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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