Accident Details
Date
Friday, July 31, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA432
Location
Atlanta, GA
Event ID
20090731X10314
Coordinates
34.007778, -84.591392
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N267BC
Make
BINGHAM CHUCK
Serial Number
6523
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
BOX 1086
CAMPBELL
Status
Deregistered
City
ONTARIO
State / Zip Code
KOLIL-O
Country
United States
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA432