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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Ground Impact During Hover in Gusty Wind (N30545)

Willcox, AZ, US

On January 27, 2002, a Richard S. Anderson ROTORWAY EXEC 162F (registration N30545) was involved in an aviation accident near Willcox, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for a gust condition and to maintain lateral control while hovering due to restricted cyclic control movement, which resulted from an inadequate control location/design. 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

While hovering in ground effect with a 10 mph wind, a helicopter encountered a 20 mph gust. The pilot's cyclic movement was restricted by contact with his thigh against the collective control, leading to a left drift, ground impact, and rollover.

Accident Overview

A helicopter experienced a ground impact and subsequent rollover while hovering in ground effect. The wind conditions at the time included a steady 10 mph wind, with a gust of 20 mph encountered during the hover. The pilot attempted to maintain control by moving the cyclic control, but the helicopter contacted the ground and rolled over.

Pilot Statement

In a verbal statement, the pilot reported that when he attempted to move the cyclic control to the right to stabilize the helicopter, his right hand contacted his right thigh. The right thigh was positioned against the installed right side collective control. The pilot asserted that this contact momentarily restricted the available range of cyclic movement. Subsequently, the helicopter drifted left, impacted the ground, and rolled over.

Operational Background

The pilot's flight instructor had authorized the student pilot to fly in wind conditions not exceeding 10 mph. The reported steady wind was within that limit, but the gust exceeded the authorized wind speed. No further operational details were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 2002 Richard S. Anderson ROTORWAY EXEC 162F accident near Willcox, AZ?

While hovering in ground effect with a 10 mph wind, a helicopter encountered a 20 mph gust. The pilot's cyclic movement was restricted by contact with his thigh against the collective control, leading to a left drift, ground impact, and rollover.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 2002 involved a Richard S. Anderson ROTORWAY EXEC 162F, registration N30545, at Willcox, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to compensate for a gust condition and to maintain lateral control while hovering due to restricted cyclic control movement, which resulted from an inadequate control location/design.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020204X00173. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.