Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswinds during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing his helicopter. He transitioned to a hover at about three feet above the ground. The helicopter encountered a sudden gust of wind that blew the helicopter forward and down. The left skid impacted the ground and the helicopter turned to the right and rolled over onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and tailcone. The recorded wind conditions indicated gusts from 15 knots to 19 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA231 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Iowa, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hiller UH-12D
- N-number
- N11CU
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.