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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 15, 1999 · Hughes 269A · N8926F

Juneau, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 1999
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Juneau, AK
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N8926F
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC99LA092

The certificated commercial pilot said that he made a northerly approach to a 3,400 feet msl mountain top heliport. He said that as he approached his intended landing site, he increased collective pitch while slowing his approach airspeed, and the rotor rpm began to decay. The pilot stated that he was forced to hover over, and eventually touchdown on, an area of uneven terrain, about thirty feet short and downhill from his intended landing site. He said, in part: 'I was able to keep the toes of the skids on the uphill slope while trying to get my rpm back up. I rolled the throttle on and lowered the collective as much as I dared.' He said that in an attempt to reposition the helicopter, he increased collective pitch and applied left pedal input. The left skid impacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the rotor system, fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot reported that weather conditions at the time of the accident consisted of clear skies, visibility unlimited, gusty winds from the southeast at 10 to 15 knots, and temperature about 70 degrees F.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, and an inadequately planned approach. A factor associated with the accident was a tailwind.

Full Narrative

On July 15, 1999, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a skid equipped Hughes 269A helicopter, N8926F, sustained substantial damage during landing atop a 3,400 feet msl mountain, about 12 miles southwest of Juneau, Alaska. The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) business flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The helicopter is owned and operated by Color-Vue Inc., Juneau, Alaska. The commercial pilot, and the one passenger aboard, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was in effect. The flight originated about 1245 from Juneau. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on July 16, the pilot reported that the accident helicopter was being utilized to transport a service technician to a remote radio repeater site. He said that he made a northerly approach to the mountain top. He said that as he approached his intended landing site, he increased collective pitch while slowing his approach airspeed, and the rotor rpm began to decay. The pilot stated that he was forced to hover over, and eventually touchdown on, an area of uneven terrain, about thirty feet short and downhill from his intended landing site. He said, in part: "I was able to keep the toes of the skids on the uphill slope while trying to get my rpm back up. I rolled the throttle on and lowered the collective as much as I dared." He said that in an attempt to reposition the helicopter, he increased collective pitch and applied left pedal input. The left skid impacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the rotor system, fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot reported that weather conditions at the time of the accident consisted of clear skies, visibility unlimited, gusty winds from the southeast at 10 to 15 knots, and temperature about 70 degrees F.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN8926F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data