# NTSB SEA92LA183: John S. Holzemer Rotorway Exec, N7014N, Kirkland, WA, August 14, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1992, 17:00 local (Aug 14, 1992, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Kirkland, WA
- Coordinates: 47.719844, -122.199676 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7198&lon=-122.1997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42880
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA183
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42880/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA183

## Probable cause

CYCLIC CONTROL MOVEMENT WAS RESTRICTED.  A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT POSSIBLE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - roll/run
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic control - movement restricted (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT JUST AFTER LIFT OFF FROM A DOCK, APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET ABOVE WATER LEVEL AND 200 YARDS FROM THE DEPARTURE POINT, THE CYCLIC CONTROL BECAME VERY STIFF AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE DOCK, HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS FROM THE LANDING AREA, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN ABOUT ITS VERTICAL AXIS. DUE TO THE RESTRICTED LANDING AREA AND PEOPLE ALONG THE SHORE, THE PILOT DITCHED THE HELICOPTER IN THE LAKE. DUE TO IMPACT DAMAGE, THE CONTROL MECHANISM WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE PILOT FELT THAT THE DACRON BUSHING IN THE SLIDER BALL MECHANISM MAY HAVE EITHER SWELLED OR TIGHTENED CAUSING UNDUE PRESSURE IN THE HUB ASSEMBLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7014N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7014N-1995-03-09), registration cancelled 1995-03-09, S/N 3035 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JOHN S. HOLZEMER ROTORWAY EXEC (ROTORWAY E)
- Registry model: [Holzemer John S ROTORWAY EXEC](https://openairdocs.org/model/holzemer-john-s-rotorway-exec) (registry code 13017JE) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 3035
- Airframe hours: 50
- Engines: ROTORWAY RW 152 152 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Holzemer, John S.
- Registered owner: Holzemer, John S.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 8, 1992, 1 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,540 total, 25 in this make and model, 175 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19920813038579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920813038579A), Aug 13, 1992: Amtr ROTORWAYEXEC, Kirkland, WA, Substantial damage. Cyclic control became stiff on climbout. Elected to ditch due people on shore. Spun in. Beleive slider ball jammed.

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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