Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter was being operated as a corporate/executive flight when it received substantial damage during a hard landing. The pilot had been demonstrating inputs needed to control the helicopter to the passenger. He was demonstrating a normal approach to a hover by talking through all the control inputs during a visual approach. The tail boom separated from the fuselage during the hard landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA098 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 26, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waverly, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Pike County Airport (EOP)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mcdonnell Douglas 600N
- N-number
- N160KC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Executive or corporate
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.