What happened
On November 04, 2025, at approximately 14:00 EST, an amateur-built Rotorway 162F helicopter, registration N162RW, was involved in an accident near Athens, Tennessee. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight.
The pilot reported that the pre-flight inspection and engine runup were completed without any observed anomalies. After departing from McMinn County Airport (MMI) for a local flight, the pilot initiated an approach to return to the airport. As the pilot raised the collective to reduce airspeed for touchdown, the helicopter entered a left turn. The pilot attempted to correct the turn by applying full right anti-torque pedal input, but the aircraft failed to respond.
As the helicopter drifted from the intended landing position, the skids contacted the grass, causing the aircraft to roll onto its left side. Following the rollover, a post-impact fire occurred, which destroyed most of the helicopter. The pilot sustained 1 minor injury, and there were 0 fatalities.