Casualties unknown

Helicopter Rolls Over After Passenger Applies Excessive Cyclic Input During Hover (N224TV)

Oklahoma City, OK, US

On February 23, 1993, a Bell 206B (registration N224TV) operated by Jonhnson, James P. was involved in an aviation accident near Oklahoma City, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PASSENGERS INADVERTENT CONTROL INTERFERENCE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE PASSENGER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A helicopter pilot allowed a front-seat passenger to lightly ride the controls while demonstrating hover characteristics at 3 feet. The passenger applied too much cyclic pressure, causing the right skid to strike the ground and initiating a dynamic rollover.

Incident Overview

A helicopter pilot permitted a passenger seated in the front to lightly manipulate the flight controls while the pilot demonstrated the helicopter's handling characteristics during a hover at approximately 3 feet above the ground. The passenger inadvertently applied excessive pressure to the cyclic control, causing the helicopter to move sideways.

Sequence of Events

As a result of the excessive cyclic input, the rear portion of the right skid contacted the ground while the helicopter was drifting sideways. The stuck right skid created a pivot point, leading to a dynamic rollover. The helicopter continued to roll until it came to rest on its right side.

Outcome

The helicopter sustained damage from the rollover. The source does not specify injuries, fatalities, or the extent of damage.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1993 Bell 206B accident near Oklahoma City, OK?

A helicopter pilot allowed a front-seat passenger to lightly ride the controls while demonstrating hover characteristics at 3 feet. The passenger applied too much cyclic pressure, causing the right skid to strike the ground and initiating a dynamic rollover.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1993 involved a Bell 206B, registration N224TV, operated by Jonhnson, James P., at Oklahoma City, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PASSENGERS INADVERTENT CONTROL INTERFERENCE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE PASSENGER

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11831. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.