Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain control while hovering in gusty conditions.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA290 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brookeland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private Property
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built ROTORWAY E
- N-number
- N602DB
- 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.