# NTSB MKC87DCA02: Rotorway Exec, N275FS, Highridge, MO, July 19, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1987, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Highridge, MO
- Coordinates: 38.500183, -90.640922 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5002&lon=-90.6409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34259
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87DCA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34259/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87DCA02

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID THE HELICOPTER ENCTRD HI DENSITY ALTITUDE PROBLEMS AS IT WAS MOVING OUT OF GROUND EFFECT DRG TAKEOFF. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER SETTLED INTO TREES, THEN CRASHED TO THE GROUND IN AN INVERTED ATTITUDE. THE TEMP & DEW POINT WERE 90 & 77 DEG, RESPECTIVELY. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 2400 FT. ALSO, THE HELICOPTER WAS NEAR ITS MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N275FS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N275FS-2004-04-20), registration cancelled 2004-04-20, S/N 84E3270A, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROTORWAY EXEC
- Registry model: [Spavale Frank A ROTORWAY EXECUTIVE](https://openairdocs.org/model/spavale-frank-a-rotorway-executive) (registry code 13017ED) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rotorway RW152](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotorway-rw152) (registry code 55006, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 84E3270A
- Engines: Rotorway ROTOR MAT 152 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Spavale, Frank
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Destination: 3WE, FENTON, MO
- Airport: Pvt Helipad

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 800 total, 260 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 77 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: STL, 11 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 19870719035289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870719035289A), Jul 19, 1987: Amtr ROTORWAYEXEC, Highridge, MO, Substantial damage. Near gross on takeoff and high temperature caused helicopter to settle into trees.

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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