Probable cause
A flight control malfunction while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was conducting flybys to film a segment for a documentary. During his last run, he initiated a 150- to 180-degree climbing right turn to about 200 ft above the ground. After the turn, he attempted to neutralize the flight controls in preparation for a normal approach to land, but he was unable to move them. The helicopter remained in the same turn rate with the same collective pitch and cyclic input until ground impact. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the flight control malfunction could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA107 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 1, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coolidge, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Coolidge Municipal Airport (P08)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell AH-1F
- N-number
- N197LE
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.