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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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

June 22, 1999 · Hughes 369D · N1089Y

Shelton, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Shelton, WA
Aircraft
Hughes 369D
Tail Number
N1089Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA99LA092

The pilot was practicing autorotations from an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and an airspeed of approximately 50 knots. During the second practice autorotation, the pilot reduced power with throttle and used collective to adjust rotor speed to 410 RPM (minimum RPM for practice autorotations). The rotor RPM decreased below 410 RPM and the aircraft rapidly started to descend. Before the pilot was able to recover, the aircraft collided with the ground and rolled over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, tail rotor, tail boom and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during an autorotation.

Full Narrative

On June 22, 1999, about 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369D, N1089Y, registered to and operated by Olympic Air, Incorporated, was substantially damaged during landing following a practice autorotation. The accident occurred at Shelton Airport, Shelton, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. A company VFR flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this 14CFR91 flight. The flight originated from Rockaway, Oregon, approximately one hour prior to the accident. The pilot stated he was practicing autorotations from an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and an airspeed of approximately 50 knots. During the second practice autorotation, the pilot reduced power with throttle and used collective to adjust rotor speed to 410 RPM (minimum RPM for practice autorotations). The pilot stated the rotor RPM "quickly" decayed and the aircraft rapidly started to descend. Before the pilot was able to recover, the aircraft collided with the ground and rolled over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, tail rotor, tail boom and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PDT
Nearest AirportSanderson Field (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 369D
Tail NumberN1089Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · C20-B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 17 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data