BINGHAM CHUCK ROTORWAY 1
Atlanta, GA — July 31, 2009
Event Information
| Date | July 31, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA432 |
| Event ID | 20090731X10314 |
| Location | Atlanta, GA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.00778, -84.59139 |
| Airport | Cobb County Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | BINGHAM CHUCK |
| Model | ROTORWAY 1 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering in gusting wind conditions.
Full Narrative
After lifting off, the pilot stated that he encountered a strong gust of wind from the west while making a hovering turn to the east. The main rotor blades contacted the mid-field windsock pole, and the helicopter collided with the ground. The pilot suffered minor injuries, and the passenger was unharmed. The helicopter received substantial damage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the helicopter before the accident.
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.