Probable cause
A loss of engine power that resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while hover taxiing the helicopter back to his hangar after a short practice flight, the experimental engine lost power, and he was unable to maintain altitude. Due to the low altitude and the rapid loss of power, the pilot was not able to autorotate, and the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side. The fuselage and tail boom sustained substantial damage. Subsequent test runs of the helicopter’s experimental engine did not reveal a reason for the power loss that occurred.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA041 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 15, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blaine, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Anoka County/Blaine (Janes Fld (ANE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Exec 162 F
- N-number
- N280P
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.