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Lake Havasu City Today
By the People, for the People
Amateur-Built Helicopter Crash Caused by Loose Throttle Cable
NTSB report cites improper hardware installation as the reason for loss of engine power during landing
Mar. 24, 2026 at 1:23am
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The investigation found that the crash was caused by a loss of engine power due to a disconnected throttle cable, which the pilot had improperly secured with a missing retaining nut.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and installation of critical components on amateur-built aircraft. The NTSB report emphasizes the need for vigilance and attention to detail when working on experimental and homebuilt helicopters to ensure airworthiness and prevent future accidents.
The details
According to the NTSB report, the pilot/owner of the amateur-built helicopter was transitioning through translational lift for landing at about 30 feet above ground level with near-zero forward airspeed when the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot attempted an autorotative landing, but the helicopter experienced a hard landing, bounced, and came to rest on the runway edge at a 45-degree angle. The helicopter then rocked backward, resulting in substantial damage to the tailboom and tail rotor blades.
- The incident occurred on March 24, 2026.
The players
NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States.
Pilot/Owner
The owner and pilot of the amateur-built helicopter involved in the crash.
What they’re saying
“This incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and installation of critical components on amateur-built aircraft.”
— NTSB
What’s next
The NTSB report will be used to inform future safety guidelines and recommendations for the maintenance and operation of experimental and homebuilt aircraft.
The takeaway
This accident serves as a reminder to all pilots and owners of amateur-built aircraft to exercise extreme caution and diligence when performing maintenance and inspections, as even a small oversight can have catastrophic consequences.
