Pilot Debrief

BOLTON RICKY D ROTORWAY E near Brookeland, TX — 2009-05-10

Final reportCEN09CA290
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Date
2009-05-10
Location
Brookeland, TX, USA
Aircraft
BOLTON RICKY D ROTORWAY E
Registration
N602DB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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