Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to takeoff downwind. A contributing factor was the gusty conditions.
NTSB analysis
The non-helicopter-rated pilot and passenger departed downwind for a local flight. Once above the surrounding obstacles, the helicopter began to settle. Unable to arrest the rate of decent, the pilot elected to land in an empty industrial park lot. The helicopter experienced a hard landing and rolled on to its side. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the helicopter unassisted. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he would have observed the wind condition from an obstacle free area before departure. A weather reporting station 14 miles east of the accident site reported, wind from 360 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 23 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA068 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 20, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cedar Hill, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Brantly B-2B
- N-number
- N2180U
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.