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Helicopter Tips Over During Hovering Autorotation (N135KA)

Bloomfield, CT, US

On January 27, 1998, a Kaman K-1200 (registration N135KA) was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomfield, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during autorotation, which resulted in an unleveled attitude touchdown, roll over, and collision with the ground. 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

During a familiarization flight, a helicopter drifted left at 5 ft AGL during a hovering autorotation, touched down on left landing gear, and came to rest on its side. No mechanical failure was found.

Incident

A pilot on a familiarization flight of a new helicopter was performing maneuvers in the traffic pattern. After successfully completing hovering, several takeoffs and landings, and two hovering autorotations, he discontinued his maneuvers due to traffic and requested to use a pad near a plant. During a hovering autorotation at 5 feet above ground level, the helicopter suddenly drifted to the left. Despite the pilot's efforts to correct with right cyclic, the helicopter continued to roll to the left. It touched down on the left main landing gear, followed by the nosewheel, and came to rest on its left side.

Pilot Experience

The helicopter had accumulated 12 total hours at the time of the event. The pilot had 9 hours of experience in this make and model.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction with the helicopter or engine, and the pilot did not report any such issue.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 1998 Kaman K-1200 accident near Bloomfield, CT?

During a familiarization flight, a helicopter drifted left at 5 ft AGL during a hovering autorotation, touched down on left landing gear, and came to rest on its side. No mechanical failure was found.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jan 1998 Kaman K-1200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 1998 involved a Kaman K-1200, registration N135KA, at Bloomfield, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during autorotation, which resulted in an unleveled attitude touchdown, roll over, and collision with the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.