Amateur-built Exec 162F N162AP accident near North East, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during landing following an encounter with an unanticipated wind gust, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

NTSB analysis

The pilot, who did not hold a rotorcraft helicopter rating, was performing a spot landing in the helicopter in relatively calm wind conditions. He stated that upon touchdown on the right skid, an unanticipated wind gust from the left pushed the helicopter forward and to the right, after which the helicopter dynamically rolled over to the right. The helicopter’s tailboom and main rotor blades were substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA034 for the full record.