# NTSB Accident LAX97LA197
> **Rotorway 162F** · 1997-05-31 · PHOENIX, AZ, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97LA197
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07963
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-05-31
- **Location:** PHOENIX, AZ, USA
- **Coordinates:** 33.680419, -112.090095
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Rotorway
- **Model:** 162F
- **Registration:** N176BT
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the owner/builder incorrectly installed the tail rotor drive pulley mounting scissors, overtorqued the pivot belts, did not perform the required maintenance lubrication of the pivot belts, and failed to perform adequate visual maintenance checks of these areas during the pre/postflight checks; the resultant overtemperature on the pulley idlers; eventual catastrophic failure of the drive belts; and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm during autorotation, which resulted in loss of aircraft control and subsequent collision with the terrain.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97LA197) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*