Amateur-built Mosquito XE accident near Waco, Texas, November 11, 2024
On November 11, 2024 at about 8:40 pm local time, a 2018 amateur-built Mosquito XE (helicopter), registered N869DJ, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering near Waco, Texas. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain during an autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the improper sealing of the liquid cooling system.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- November 11, 2024 · about 8:40 pm local time
- Place
- Waco, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built Mosquito XE, built 2018
- Registration
- N869DJ · no longer on the register · serial MXE1329D18B
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that while returning to the airport, the helicopter’s engine rpm dropped to zero with no warning. He initiated an autorotation and aligned the helicopter to touch down in an open field but noticed powerlines as he got closer. The pilot maneuvered away from the field and aimed for a clearing in a residential backyard. The main rotor blades impacted a tree, and the helicopter fell about 15 ft to the ground before it came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. According to maintenance records, the engine was removed and replaced about a month before the accident. Additionally, a condition inspection was completed by the owner four days before the accident during which he changed the spark plugs and adjusted the fuel mixture. A post-accident examination revealed corrosion at the radiator fill tube connection and a loose band clamp. Additionally, the engine exhibited signatures consistent with being operated at a temperature above the normal operating temperatures and evidence of piston seizure due to thermal expansion.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Autorotation Loss of control in flight
- Loss of engine power (total) during maneuvering defining event
- Autorotation Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain)
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › Recip eng liquid cooling › Incorrect service/maintenance
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 1,890 hours in all; 66 in this make and model; 43 in the last 90 days; 12 in the last 30 days; 776 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: October 31, 2024
- Medical certificate: BasicMed
- Seat: ctr
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 73.5 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, November 7, 2024; 0.7 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 750 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Innovator Technology Inntec 800 (piston); 73 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: PWG Mcgregor TX at 8:00 pm
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 050° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 79°F (26°C), dew point 48°F (9°C)
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observation at 2:56 pm from KPWG, 1 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KPWG 112056Z AUTO 05004KT 10SM CLR 26/09 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP155 T02610089 56027
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Photographs from the investigation 4 pictures from the NTSB's docket, as the NTSB released them
Photograph 1 – Accident Helicopter
Photograph 2 – Accident Helicopter
Photograph 3 – Engine Coolant Hose (NTSB Photo)
Photograph 4 – Engine Cylinder Wall (NTSB Photo)The NTSB's photographs with the NTSB's captions, at screen size. Open a picture to see it full size or to report one that should not be shown.
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
5 documents, released by the NTSB on February 21, 2025. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 9 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Investigation Photographs | PDF, 5 pages · our copy | View Download |
| 3 | Maintenance Records | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Memorandum for Record A�� Composite Fx | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 5 | Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.