No fatalities

Passenger Leg Movement Causes Helicopter Drift and Fence Strike During Lift-Off (N203Q)

Boston, MA, US

On September 8, 1989, an Enstrom F28A (registration N203Q) operated by Tma Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Boston, MA. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 1989 Enstrom F28A accident near Boston, MA?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Sept 1989 Enstrom F28A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 1989 involved an Enstrom F28A, registration N203Q, operated by Tma Inc., at Boston, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29479. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.