Post Crash Check List

Print this Sheet, laminate and keep with Field Box

Date:_________________________________

Performed By:_________________________

Machine:______________________________

Place a check next to item when completed:

At the Field



• _____Don't Panic, get mad or vindictive. Everybody crashes.
• _____If able shut off engine with radio to prevent further damage.
• _____Locate crash site and mark for later investigation.
• _____Do not move wreckage until battery is disconnected to prevent short circuits from cut/chaffed wires.
• _____Look over wreckage and locate all major parts.
• _____Remove all parts and continue inventory and investigation at a safe, convenient location.
• _____Do not disassemble the machine at the field, it is a lot easier at a lighted workbench with the correct tools.



At the Workbench



• Tail rotor:
1. _____Tail Rotor Blades for cracks/dings - replace.
2. _____Output shaft for straightness - replace
3. _____Control Arm for cracks
4. _____Gear housing for cracks/splits
• Tail Boom:
1. _____Boom for Dents and straightness. Small dents are ok in wire and belt drive.
2. _____Drive wire, drive belt or torque tube for damage.
3. _____Boom support for cracks
• Main Frames
1. _____Aluminum frames for hairline cracks and bent panels. Hairline cracks can lead to RF interference.
2. _____Carbon or G10 frames for cracks, broken parts.
3. _____Plastic frames for breaks, fatigue bends.
• Engine
1. _____Check for bent crankshaft
2. _____Check for broken carb, bent/missing needle valves, throttle arm.
3. _____Inspect for internal damage and foreign matter ingestion.
• Engine Fan / Cooling system
1. _____Inspect for broken missing fan blades and cracks.
2. _____Check fan shroud for cracks and foreign matter.
• Clutch and Bell housing, starter shaft.
1. _____Check pinion gear for alignment and security.
2. _____Inspect clutch for damage. Inspect liner if engine overrevved in crash.
3. _____Inspect starter shaft for straightness (less than .005").
4. _____Inspect all bearings.
• Main Gear, Main Shaft and mixing arms.
1. _____Inspect main gear for stripped teeth.
2. _____Check main shaft for straightness.
3. _____Inspect levers, mixing arms and swashplate for bent, broken or missing items.
4. _____Check all pushrods for bends, kinks and cracks.
• Main Rotor Head
1. _____Check blade axle(s) (feathering spindle(s)) for straightness.
2. _____Inspect flybar and paddles for straightness.
3. _____Inspect blade holders, main blade bolts and bearings.
4. _____Inspect main blade pitch arms, yoke, see-saw and jesus bolt.
5. _____Inspect Main Blades for cracks/dents. Replace even for the most minor damage.
• Control Rods
1. _____Check for bends, cracks and twists.
2. _____Check all ball links for security/damage.
3. _____Check all levers and bearings/bushings.
• Servo Tray and Radio Gear


1. _____Check servo tray for cracks.
2. _____Inspect servo mounting hardware for damage.
3. _____Check all servos for stripped gears, cracked/broken servo horns.


4. _____Inspect all wiring for cuts, fraying or pulled out wires.
5. _____Check Servo and receiver cases for damage.
6. _____Inspect battery and check voltage.
7. _____Inspect switch harness and all plugs.
8. _____Check for physical damage to gyro, amp and connectors
9. _____Check the gyro operationally.
10. _____In case of a severe crash have radio and gyro inspected by an authorized repair facility.
• Fuel System, Landing Gear and Canopy
1. _____Inspect fuel tank for splits, punctures and foreign matter.
2. _____Inspect fuel lines for pinholes, cuts and tears.
3. _____Clean and inspect fuel filter
4. _____Evaluate if canopy is repairable
5. _____Inspect canopy mounting hardware for security.
6. _____Inspect landing gear for cracks, bents and twists.

Perform First Flight / Post Crash Check list prior to first flight.


Original Post Crash Sequence by Ron Hammond.
Rotory Modeler


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