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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 1, 1996 · Hughes 269B · N9558F

Frisco, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Frisco, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 269B
Tail Number
N9558F
Operator
Addison Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA375

According to the operator, the pilot requested to rent a helicopter. He showed the operator his pilot certificate and flight log book; however, the operator did not record this information nor obtain a current address and telephone number. The pilot was not given a check out in the helicopter prior to the accident flight. The operator observed the pilot hover the helicopter, takeoff and depart the traffic pattern. The operator subsequently received a telephone call from the pilot stating he had landed the helicopter 'hard' at the North Dallas Jetport, which was under construction, and requested to be pick up. When the operator arrived at the North Dallas Jetport, he found the helicopter on its side, and the pilot could not be located. Injury is presumed. There were no reported eye witnesses to this accident. The FAA has no record of the named pilot having either an airman or a medical certificate. .

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper touchdown procedure.

Full Narrative

On September 1, 1996, about 1730 central daylight time, a Hughes 269B helicopter, N9558F, registered to C and J Communications Inc., and operated by Addison Helicopters as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during a hard landing near Frisco, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot was reported as not injured. The local flight originated from Addison Airport, Dallas, Texas, about 30 minutes before the accident. According to the operator, the pilot requested to rent a helicopter. He showed the operator his pilot certificate and flight log book; however, the operator did not record this information nor obtain a current address and telephone number. The pilot was not given a check out in the helicopter prior to the accident flight; however, the operator observed the pilot hover the helicopter, takeoff and depart the traffic pattern. The operator received a telephone call from the pilot stating he had landed the helicopter "hard" at the North Dallas Jetport, which was under construction, and requested to be pick up. When the operator arrived at the North Dallas Jetport, he found the helicopter on its side, and the pilot could not be located. There were no reported eye witnesses to this accident. Examination of the helicopter by a FAA inspector on September 5, 1996, at the Wills Point Airport revealed that all main rotor blades were damaged, the skid tubes and their fuselage attaching mounts were fractured, the tail rotor drive shaft was twisted nearly 180 degrees, and the tail rotor was damaged. The FAA has no record of the named pilot having either an airman or a medical certificate.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest AirportNorth Dallas Jetport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 269B
Tail NumberN9558F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAddison Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 5 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data