On September 8, 1989, an Enstrom F28A (registration N203Q) operated by Tma Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Boston, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILUE OF PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER WHEN A PASSENGER INADVERTENTLY PUSHED THE CYCLIC CONTROL. THE FENCE (NEAR THE HELIPAD) WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter drifted left and rearward during lift-off after a passenger inadvertently pushed the cyclic control with his leg. A skid caught on a barbed wire fence, and the pilot landed immediately, resulting in main rotor blade contact with a fence post.
Incident Overview
During the initial lift-off phase of a helicopter flight, the pilot was transitioning from lift-off to a hover. A passenger seated in the middle seat inadvertently pushed the cyclic control with his leg. According to the pilot, this input caused the helicopter to drift left and rearward.
Sequence of Events
As the helicopter drifted, one of its skids caught on a barbed wire fence located near the helipad. Uncertain about potential damage from the fence contact, the pilot decided to land immediately. During the landing maneuver, the main rotor blade(s) struck a fence post.
The incident highlights the sensitivity of helicopter controls to unintended inputs from occupants. No further details about injuries or aircraft damage were provided in the source.