Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the helicopter during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The non-certificated pilot of the helicopter reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice takeoff, hover, and landing maneuvers from his private grass field. During takeoff, he increased the engine power and inadvertently applied right cyclic concurrently as he raised the collective. Subsequently, the helicopter’s right skid dug into the ground, resulting in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its main rotor blades and tail boom structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA160 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 28, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chuluota, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Pvt (pvt)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built EXEC
- N-number
- N8318A
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.