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NTSB Report
July 9, 1990 · Mcdonnell Douglas 369HS · N505WW
Modesto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 9, 1990
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Modesto, CA
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas 369HS
Tail Number
N505WW
Operator
David L Heath
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX90FA248
THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGERS DETECTED THE ODOR OF SMOKE AS THE HELICOPTER CIRCLED WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT. THE PILOT ENTERED A PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH AND LANDED IN A VACANT PASTURE. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD AND THE IN-FLIGHT FIRE CONSUMED THE AIRCRAFT'S CABIN/ENGINE SECTION. GROUND WITNESSES CONFIRMED THAT AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE ERUPTED PRIOR TO THE AIRCRAFT LANDING.
NTSB Probable Cause
IN-FLIGHT ENGINE FIRE OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGERS DETECTED THE ODOR OF SMOKE AS THE HELICOPTER CIRCLED WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT. THE PILOT ENTERED A PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH AND LANDED IN A VACANT PASTURE. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD AND THE IN-FLIGHT FIRE CONSUMED THE AIRCRAFT'S CABIN/ENGINE SECTION. GROUND WITNESSES CONFIRMED THAT AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE ERUPTED PRIOR TO THE AIRCRAFT LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:55 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas 369HS
Tail NumberN505WW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDavid L Heath
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C18 · Turboshaft · 278
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC