...The Dynamic Rollover Was Likely Caused By The Front Seat Passenger Inadvertently Contacting The Cyclic Control While Turning To Speak With The Rear Seat Passenger

Location: Caseville, Michigan Accident Number: CEN25LA337
Date & Time: August 23, 2025, 11:15 Local Registration: N707EE
Aircraft: Bell OH-58A Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Dynamic rollover Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that while on a local flight he noticed a squall line approaching and elected to return to the private strip from which he had departed. During the approach, rain intensity increased, and the wind began gusting to about 15 knots. The pilot landed the helicopter, lowered the collective, and reduced power. While the main rotor was turning about 420 rpm, the helicopter suddenly rolled over onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor system and fuselage. 

The pilot reported that the dynamic rollover was likely caused by the front seat passenger inadvertently contacting the cyclic control while turning to speak with the rear seat passenger. The OH-58A flight manual notes that when carrying non-rated passengers unfamiliar with helicopter operation, the pilot should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of stowing the copilot controls or accepting the potential hazard of leaving them installed. The Federal Aviation Administration Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21B) states, “If possible, remove front passenger flight controls and ensure all passenger personal items, such as cameras and mobile phones, are secure.”

Bell Helicopter Operational Safety Notice GEN-20-50 advises that pilots emphasize avoidance of flight and engine controls during preflight briefings, especially when dual controls are installed, and further notes that removing the dual controls, if installed, remains an option to prevent inadvertent interference. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The front seat passenger’s inadvertent movement of the cyclic control resulting in a dynamic rollover after landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to leave the dual 
flight controls installed with a non-pilot passenger in the front seat.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov