National Transportation Safety Board - Aviation Accident Final Report: http://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: http://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: http://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
http://registry.faa.gov/N78CS
NTSB Identification: WPR14FA167
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 13, 2014 in Reno, NV
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/15/2014
Aircraft: SANDS HELICYCLE, registration: N78CS
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
The student pilot was flying his single-seat helicopter as part of a flight of two helicopters with the intention of flying around the airport traffic pattern. Witnesses located adjacent to the accident site reported that, as both helicopters reached an altitude consistent with pattern altitude, the accident helicopter suddenly pitched down. One witness stated that the helicopter shuddered a few times and then pitched down while rolling in a clockwise rotation. The helicopter subsequently impacted flat desert terrain. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter while in the traffic pattern.
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On April 13, 2014, about 1209 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Sands Helicycle, N78CS, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The student pilot, sole occupant of the single-seat helicopter, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which originated from RTS at 1204.
Witnesses located adjacent to the accident site reported observing two helicopters fly along a taxiway about 15 feet above ground level (agl) on a southerly heading while in trail from one another. As the helicopters made a left turn to an easterly heading, they ascended to about 500 feet agl. As both helicopters turned to a northerly heading, the lead helicopter began to "pull away" from the second helicopter. Witnesses stated that the second helicopter suddenly pitched downward towards the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted terrain about 1,425 feet northeast of the threshold of runway 32. One witness added that the accident helicopter "shuttered a couple of times, [and] then dove at the ground" while rolling in a clockwise rotation.
The pilot of the lead helicopter reported that the accident pilot and he departed from the west hangars to the east along taxiway Alpha. He stated that the accident pilot intended to follow him on a left traffic pattern for runway 08. As he turned crosswind for the runway, he asked the accident pilot if he was "back there," and the accident pilot responded "yes, I am behind you and everything is fine." The pilot further reported that he continued on downwind and made another radio call to the accident pilot, but did not receive a reply despite multiple attempts to contact him. Shortly thereafter, the pilot located the wreckage of the helicopter.
A friend of the pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) that the morning of the day of the accident, the pilot had flown uneventfully around the airport and performed a few low speed quick stops on one of the taxiways. In addition, the friend of the pilot reported that the helicopter was test flown about a week prior to the accident by a test pilot, and the helicopter was within weight and balance limitations.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The pilot, age 46, held a student pilot certificate with an endorsement for an R22 helicopter. A third-class airman medical certificate was issued to the pilot on November 30, 2012, with no limitations stated.
Review of the pilot's logbook revealed that as of the most recent logbook entry, dated March 23, 2014, he had accumulated 52.7 hours of total flight time, of which 4.6 hours was solo flight time. The pilot had logged 4.2 hours of flight time within the preceding 30 days to the accident, of which no solo flight time was logged.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The single-seat experimental amateur-built helicopter, serial number (S/N) 5-14, was completed in 2014, and issued an experimental airworthiness certificate on March 6, 2014. It was powered by a Solar T-62-32 turboshaft engine rated at 160 horsepower. Review of the airframe logbook revealed that since the issuance of the airworthiness certificate, no further logbook entries were made.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
A review of recorded data from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) automated weather observation station, located about 15 miles southeast of the accident site, revealed at 1155, conditions were wind from 130 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 13 degrees Celsius, dew point -12 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.19 inches of mercury. Using the reported weather conditions and field elevation, the calculated density altitude was about 5,751 feet.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
The Reno/Stead Airport is a non-towered airport that operates in class G airspace. The airport features two runways, 14/32, a 9,000-foot long and 150-foot wide asphalt runway, and 8/26, a 7,608-foot long and 150-foot wide asphalt runway. The reported airport elevation is 5,050 feet.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the helicopter came to rest on its left side in an open desert area. All major structural components of the helicopter were located at the accident site. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The Washoe County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on the pilot on April 14, 2014. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was "multiple blunt force injuries."
The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicology tests on the pilot. According to CAMI's report, carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and drugs were tested, and had positive results for an unspecified amount of Diphenhydramine within the liver.
Information obtained from CAMI revealed that Diphenhydramine is a common over the counter antihistamine used in the treatment of the common cold and hay fever. In addition, warnings for the medication include: may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating heavy machinery).
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Examination of the recovered airframe and engine was conducted at the Reno-Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada, on May 28, 2014, by the NTSB IIC, and a representative from Eagle R&D.
Examination of the recovered wreckage revealed that one of the two main rotor blades was separated at the blade grip and the retention bolt was sheered. Signatures observed on the blade grip were consistent with the rotor blade separating in a forward direction. The upper, lower, and center portions of the retention bolt remained within the rotor blade and blade grip. The outboard three feet of the blade was separated, including the blade tip and leading edge spar, which was located about 300 feet southwest of the accident site. Some leading edge gouges were observed near the separated blade tip. Chordwise striations were observed throughout the span of the separated rotor blade. The rotor blade that remained attached to the hub exhibited chordwise striations throughout the blade span and was bent and buckled throughout. The tailrotor assembly was unremarkable. The tailrotor slider functioned normally by hand. The tailrotor driveshaft was intact and twisted at the forward attach point.
Flight control continuity was established throughout the helicopter for all primary flight controls. Separations in the control torque tubes were observed, and the areas of separation exhibited signatures consistent with overload.
The forward portion of the airframe was destroyed. The instrument panel was impact damaged with multiple instruments displaced. The forward portion of both landing skids were bent upward. Impact damage to the fuselage was found consistent with a main rotor blade strike.
The left side engine mount remained intact. The right side engine mount was separated (consistent with a forward motion). All six drive belts were found separated into multiples pieces. The engine was removed from the gearbox. Damage was noted to the pulley and gearbox assembly. Rotational continuity was established throughout the gearbox assembly. Rotational continuity was also established throughout the turbine engine, however, was stiff. The exhaust, combustion housing, and nozzle were removed. Slight scoring rubbing was observed on the nozzle, found consistent with slight turbine wheel contact with the housing. Once the nozzle was removed, the turbine assembly rotated freely.
Examination of the recovered airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preexisting anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
For further information, see the NTSB Recovered Airframe and Engine Examination Summary Report within the public docket for this accident.
NTSB Identification: WPR14FA167
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, April 13, 2014 in Reno, NV
Aircraft: CHRISTOPHER W SANDS HELICYCLE, registration: N78CS
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On April 13, 2014, about 1209 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Sands Helicycle, N78CS, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The student pilot, sole occupant of the single-seat helicopter, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight which originated from RTS at an undetermined time.
Witnesses located adjacent to the accident site observed two helicopters fly along a taxiway about 15 feet above ground level (agl) on a southerly heading. The helicopters began a left turn to an easterly heading while ascending to about 500 feet agl. As both helicopters turned to a northerly heading, the lead helicopter began to "pull away" from the second helicopter. Witnesses stated that the second helicopter suddenly pitched downward towards the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted terrain about 1,425 feet northeast of the threshold of runway 32.
Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the helicopter came to rest on its left side in an open area. All major structural components of the helicopter were located at the accident site. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
Helicopter flight lesson - November 10, 2013
Video by Michael Seeliger
Published on Nov 10, 2013
Helicopter flight lesson in Robinson R22. Take off, landing and autorotation entries at MEV.
Obituary for Michael Brooks Seeliger
Michael Brooks Seeliger, 46, of Reno, passed away on April 13, 2014 while enjoying one of his many passions in life. He leaves behind his beloved wife and daughter, Traci and Ella Seeliger.
Mike was born in Reno, Nevada on January 20, 1968 to Tom and Kay (Park) Seeliger. He graduated from Bishop Manogue High School in 1986, and attended both the University of Nevada, where he was a member of the ATO fraternity, and Chico State University. He married the love of his life, Traci, in 2005 and welcomed their cherished daughter, Ella Brooks, in 2007.
Along with many successful business ventures, Mike was Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley for seventeen years. He constantly strove to continue educating both himself and his clients. Mike always believed his clients came first. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for Edgewood Companies for over ten years. He had a great love for Edgewood and was very proud to be part of the Edgewood family. Mikes family history was extremely important to him, as he was a sixth generation Nevadan.
Mike gave 110 percent in all that he did, but none more than to his family, who came first above all else. He was a devoted husband and father, with weekends finding him enjoying quality time with his wife, or taking his treasured Ella to shoot bow and arrows, race go carts and ride ATVs. He was an avid wine connoisseur and enjoyed many special days in Napa Valley with family and friends. Mike had numerous hobbies in his life, and pursued all that he loved with great passion. Summers found him riding motorcycles, camping, jet skiing, and boating on Lake Tahoe; in winter months, he could be found snow skiing and snowmobiling in Lake Tahoe and Graeagle. He had a love for exotic cars, and enjoyed taking trips with Traci and Ella to car events. Building and flying R/C model planes was another of Mike’s interests. He lived life to the fullest and made sure every single moment was accounted for. He had a generous and giving heart, willing to lend a hand to many in need. Mike was a friend to all and cherished his blessed life surrounded by his precious family and many friends.
Mike is survived by his wife and best friend Traci (Henson) Seeliger and daughter Ella Seeliger (7), of Reno; parents Tom and Kay Seeliger, of Reno; brother Tom Seeliger, of Reno; Sister Sally Seeliger, of Reno; and brother Dan (Silvina), of Santiago, Chile. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces Abbie Seeliger (18), Nathan Seeliger (16), Sarah Seeliger (9), Zen Seeliger (9), and Soren Seeliger (5); and in- laws Dave and Jenny Giusti and Lance (Tammy) Henson and nephews Aaron and Chaz Henson. Grandparents Albert and Frances Seeliger and Brooks and Jeanne Park, as well as his Uncle John Seeliger preceded Mike in death.
A service will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 1138 Wright Street, Reno, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. A celebration of life will immediately follow at The Grove, 95 Foothill Rd, Reno. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made to Our Lady of the Snows School, the Mike Seeliger Scholarship Fund, 1125 Lander Street, Reno, Nevada 89509.
Source: http://www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com
UPDATE: The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim of the helicopter crash that happened at the Reno-Stead Airport on Sunday. The victim is identified as Michael Seeliger, 46. The accident happened shortly after 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2014.
A pilot died Sunday in the crash of a small helicopter in a field at the Reno Stead Airport, authorities said.
The crash of the privately owned single-seat, home-built aircraft known as a helicycle was reported at 12:10 p.m., officials said.
"Two helicopters were flying together," airport spokesman Brian Kulpin said. "One of the pilots lost sight of the other pilot, flew back around and discovered the wreckage and called in the incident."
"They might have been flying together to test the aircraft," Kulpin said later.
The victim's name and age had not been released Sunday evening. The pilot, who was a resident of the Reno-Tahoe area, was the only one on board, authorities said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash's cause is being determined, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident, he said.
Kulpin said that the helicopter had been recently built and was certified a week ago, but authorities did not know if it was flown for the first time on Sunday.
Kulpin said it was not known if the small helicopter was based at Reno Stead Airport.
"Kit aircraft are built at airports and even sometimes in someone's garage," he said. "It's a common thing."
The Reno police and fire departments were assisting at the scene, along with airport officials, police Lt. Mohammad Rafaqat said.
A fire crew that arrived described the helicopter as destroyed. Other responding crews were sent back to the station.
"Our thoughts and our prayers go out the family of the pilot," Kulpin said.
Rafaqat said that the airport remained open after the crash.
