Summary
On July 31, 2009, a Bingham Chuck ROTORWAY 1 (N267BC) was involved in an accident near Atlanta, GA. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering in gusting wind conditions.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA09CA432. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N267BC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
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