HUGHES 269B

Lakeview, MI — August 7, 2010

Event Information

DateAugust 7, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN10CA469
Event ID20100810X11010
LocationLakeview, MI
CountryUSA
Coordinates43.45222, -85.26472
AirportLakeview Airport - Griffith Fi
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeHUGHES
Model269B
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive descent angle during landing approach, which resulted in a settling with power condition.

Full Narrative

The pilot was flying the helicopter to the fuel pumps on the airport and made a high approach due to other aircraft traffic. About 50 feet above the ground he experienced "settling with power". He could not arrest the descent and the helicopter impacted the ground, bounced, became airborne again, and was spinning due to the separation of the tail boom and tail rotor. The helicopter then struck a hangar and impacted the ground a second time. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter. The helicopter had about 16 hours since a complete rebuild, and less than one hour since annual inspection.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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