Amateur-built ROTORWAY EXEC 162F N104BJ accident near Nampa, Idaho

Probable cause

A flight control malfunction during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined. No follow-up examination was conducted due to a lapse in agency funding and subsequent government shutdown.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, about 500 feet above ground level (agl), the cyclic control seemed to require a higher than normal input. He changed speed, however, that seemed to make it worse. The pilot was over a field and entered a 180 degree autorotation to lose altitude. At the completion of the autorotation, forward velocity had dissipated and the lateral movement to the left increased even with full right cyclic input. The helicopter collided with trees that bordered the field and subsequently rolled over onto its left side after touchdown. The fuselage and tailboom were substantially damaged.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA006 for the full record.