Pilot Debrief

ROTORWAY EXEC near Rochester, IN — 2020-05-16

Final reportCEN20CA180
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Date
2020-05-16
Location
Rochester, IN, USA
Airport
RCR
Aircraft
ROTORWAY EXEC
Registration
N311RM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during lift off. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience flying a helicopter.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that he intended to take the helicopter out to practice hover flight. As he started to lift the helicopter off of the ground and move towards the grass, he lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground. An examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor. The pilot attributed his inability to maintain control of the helicopter to a stronger than expected crosswind and that he had not flown a helicopter for about 19 years.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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