Probable cause
The pilot’s improper maintenance on the tail rotor assembly, which resulted in the loss of control and roll over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the experimental helicopter reported that, he had performed maintenance on the tail rotor assembly. While checking the blade tracking and balance in a hover, a pitch change link retention bolt lost torque and separated from the tail rotor slide assembly, which resulted in the loss of control and subsequent rollover. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and main rotor system.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter and that he failed to ensure the maintenance was performed correctly.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA045 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 22, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Scio, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Jack'S Heliport (25OR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built ROTORWAY EXEC 162F
- N-number
- N102LD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.