Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicycle control during hover due to an inadvertent control input.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while in a hover about 10 feet above the ground, the helicycle began to spin right and that he was unable to stop the rotation. Subsequently, the helicycle struck a hangar with its tail and rolled over on its left side. The pilot reported that his right ankle was wrapped in a brace due to a recent injury and that, because of this brace, he inadvertently input pressure on the right rudder control input, which caused the helicycle to rotate right. The ankle brace prevented him from noticing the right rudder control input in a timely manner. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicycle that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA360 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 5, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Richland, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Richland (RLD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built HELICYCLE
- N-number
- N234RV
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.