# NTSB SEA97LA020: Karmy Rotorway Exec, N728PC, Redmond, OR, October 25, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1996, 13:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Redmond, OR
- Coordinates: 44.259731, -121.220771 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2597&lon=-121.2208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42534
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42534/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA020

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to remove the dolly wheels during the preflight inspection.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

During a crosswind takeoff the helicopter rolled over.  The pilot reported that he failed to remove the dolly wheels from the helicopter, leaving an 18 inch handle dangling from the skid.  During takeoff, the handle caught in the ground and the helicopter rolled over.

## Factual narrative

On October 25, 1996, about 1345 Pacific daylight time, a Karmy Rotorway Exec, N728PC, registered to the pilot, rolled over on takeoff and was substantially damaged.  The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.

The pilot reported that he failed to remove the dolly wheels from the helicopter, leaving an 18 inch handle dangling from the skid.  During takeoff with a cross wind, the handle caught in the ground and the helicopter rolled over.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N728PC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N728PC-2022-08-02), registration cancelled 2022-08-02, S/N 6073, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: KARMY ROTORWAY EXEC (ROTORWAY E)
- Registry model: [Karmy James ROTORWAY EXEC](https://openairdocs.org/model/karmy-james-rotorway-exec) (registry code 05602W3) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter, amateur-built
- Serial number: 6073
- Airframe hours: 97
- Engines: Rotorway 162F reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R. Karmy
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 62OR
- Airport: 62OR, Cinder Butte Heliport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,314 total, 104 in this make and model, 1,234 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 4 knots, gusting 8
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19961025033909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961025033909A), Oct 25, 1996: Amtr ROTORWAYEXEC, Cinder Butte, OR, Substantial damage. Failed remove dolly prior takeoff. Handle caught on ground. Helicopter rolled over.

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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