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NTSB Report
April 3, 1990 · Hughes H500C · N9128F
Houston, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Hughes H500C
Tail Number
N9128F
Operator
Mark R Lancaster
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW90LA090
THE PILOT OF THE TURBINE ENGINE HELICOPTER WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN HE SMELLED WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS BURNING OIL. THE ENGINE FLAMED OUT A FEW SECONDS LATER. AN AUTOROTATIONAL DESCENT WAS ACCOMPLISHED TO AN OPEN SCHOOL YARD. DURING THE FLARE/TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT MISJUDGED AND A HARD LANDING OCCURRED RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE TAILBOOM WHEN THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK IT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE TOTAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE FOR UNDERTEMINED REASONS AND THE PILOT MISJUDGING THE FLARE PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE TURBINE ENGINE HELICOPTER WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN HE SMELLED WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS BURNING OIL. THE ENGINE FLAMED OUT A FEW SECONDS LATER. AN AUTOROTATIONAL DESCENT WAS ACCOMPLISHED TO AN OPEN SCHOOL YARD. DURING THE FLARE/TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT MISJUDGED AND A HARD LANDING OCCURRED RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE TAILBOOM WHEN THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK IT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 CDT
Nearest AirportHouston Hobby (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes H500C
Tail NumberN9128F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMark R Lancaster
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 410
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:30
Weather SourceWFAC