Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
After lifting off, the pilot stated that he encountered a strong gust of wind from the west while making a hovering turn to the east. The main rotor blades contacted the mid-field windsock pole, and the helicopter collided with the ground. The pilot suffered minor injuries, and the passenger was unharmed. The helicopter received substantial damage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the helicopter before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA432 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Cobb County Airport (RYY)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built ROTORWAY 1
- N-number
- N267BC
- 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.