Probable cause
The failure of the helicopter's centrifugal clutch during hover which led to the pilot's inability to maintain control of the craft and its subsequent impact with the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was air taxiing his homebuilt helicopter when the centrifugal clutch failed and the helicopter abruptly descended into the ground. The helicopter struck its right skid and then rolled onto its side.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Batavia, Ohio
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Mini 500
- N-number
- N62GS
- 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.