Probable cause
The owner/builder's improper installation of the foot pedal scissor beam, which resulted in its failure during hover flight.
NTSB analysis
The owner/builder of the amateur-built 162F was performing pedal turns while conducting initial flight tests. During a turn the left pedal "popped" and "fell away." He immediately dropped the collective and landed hard, causing significant damage to the tail boom. He inspected the helicopter and discovered the foot pedal scissor beam had pulled away from its retaining bolt. The scissor beam was designed to be sandwiched between two nylon pivot bushings, and retained by an aluminum bushing and bolt. During the construction phase he inadvertently mounted the aluminum bushing on the inside of the scissor beam, allowing the beam to be pulled past the mounting bolt when pressure was applied.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA132 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cartersville, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Cartersville (VPC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built 162F
- N-number
- N831MS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.