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NTSB Report
June 18, 1989 · Hughes 269C · N26628
Lockport, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1989
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Lockport, IL
Aircraft
Hughes 269C
Tail Number
N26628
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI89FA112
THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER FAILED TO CLIMB HIGH ENOUGH TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING HIS ACCELERATION TO LEVEL FLIGHT DURING A TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA FOR A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER STRUCK A TREE WITH THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. THE HELICOPTER THEN DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND STRUCK A HOUSE, WIRES, AND ANOTHER TREE BEFORE IMPACTING TERRAIN AND ROLLING ON ITS LEFT SIDE. THE FLIGHT WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF SCENIC FLIGHTS CONDUCTED BY THE OPERATOR FROM A TEMPORARY LANDING SITE AT A CARNIVAL.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER FLIGHT TECHNIQUE BY THE PIC DURING A TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER FAILED TO CLIMB HIGH ENOUGH TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING HIS ACCELERATION TO LEVEL FLIGHT DURING A TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA FOR A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER STRUCK A TREE WITH THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. THE HELICOPTER THEN DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND STRUCK A HOUSE, WIRES, AND ANOTHER TREE BEFORE IMPACTING TERRAIN AND ROLLING ON ITS LEFT SIDE. THE FLIGHT WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF SCENIC FLIGHTS CONDUCTED BY THE OPERATOR FROM A TEMPORARY LANDING SITE AT A CARNIVAL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269C
Tail NumberN26628
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 190
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:45
Weather SourceWFAC