Pilot Debrief

PROCTOR E RAY EXEC 162F near Athens, TN — 2025-11-04

Investigation ongoingERA26LA031
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Date
2025-11-04
Location
Athens, TN, USA
Airport
MMI
Aircraft
PROCTOR E RAY EXEC 162F
Registration
N162RW
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On November 04, 2025, at about 1400 eastern standard time, an amateur built experimental Rotorway 162F, N162RW, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Athens, Tennessee. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, the pre-flight and runup of the helicopter were normal with no anomalies observed. The pilot then departed the McMinn County Airport (MMI), Athens, Tennessee, for a local flight. After completing the flight, the pilot began his approach to MMI. The pilot reported that as he began to raise the collective to slow the helicopter for touchdown, the helicopter began a left turn. He attempted to arrest the turn using the right anti-torque pedal; however, there was no response despite full right pedal input. The pilot further stated that the helicopter began to drift from his intended landing position. The skids contacted the grass and the helicopter subsequently rolled onto its left side. After the helicopter rolled over, a post-impact fire ensued, consuming most of the helicopter. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of control in flight · Initial climb
  • Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb
View NTSB preliminary report

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