BOLTON RICKY D ROTORWAY E

Brookeland, TX — May 10, 2009

Event Information

DateMay 10, 2009
Event TypeACC
LocationBrookeland, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates31.15250, -93.98972
AirportPrivate Property
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberCEN09CA290
Event ID20090511X52856

Aircraft

MakeBOLTON RICKY D
ModelROTORWAY E
Registration #N602DB
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot failed to maintain control while hovering in gusty conditions.

Full Narrative

The private pilot reported that while hovering prior to takeoff from his private property, a gust of wind blew the experimental helicopter sideways. The right skid caught the ground and the pilot then pulled on the collective, "a little too hard." The helicopter tail rotor then hit a tractor and the left skid hit the ground. The helicopter rolled coming to rest on its left side. The pilot was not injured. The winds at a local airport 15 miles to the north were reported to be from 170 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 17 knots.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

All Aviation Events More in TX