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NTSB Report
May 4, 1990 · Hughes 369C · N9219F
Kahului, HI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kahului, HI
Aircraft
Hughes 369C
Tail Number
N9219F
Operator
Alex Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA162
THE PILOT WAS POSITIONING THE HELICOPTER OVER A WHEELED LANDING PLATFORM AFTER DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS. AS THE PILOT MADE A HOVERING TURN OVER THE PLATFORM, THE TAIL BOOM STRUCK A 6 FOOT LIGHT POLE THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT OF A TUG VEHICLE. THE TUG HAD BEEN POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE LANDING PLATFORM. THE TAIL ROTOR GEARBOX AND BLADES SEPARATED FROM THE TAILBOOM.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOTS FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE ROOM EXISTED TO POSITION THE HELICOPTER ON THE LANDING PLATFORM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF GROUND PERSONNEL TO ENSURE THAT HAZARDS TO THE LANDING HELICOPTER WERE CLEAR OF THE LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS POSITIONING THE HELICOPTER OVER A WHEELED LANDING PLATFORM AFTER DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS. AS THE PILOT MADE A HOVERING TURN OVER THE PLATFORM, THE TAIL BOOM STRUCK A 6 FOOT LIGHT POLE THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRONT OF A TUG VEHICLE. THE TUG HAD BEEN POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE LANDING PLATFORM. THE TAIL ROTOR GEARBOX AND BLADES SEPARATED FROM THE TAILBOOM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 HST
Nearest AirportKAHULUI (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369C
Tail NumberN9219F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlex Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 278
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 20 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO