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NTSB Report
August 19, 1989 · Hughes 269A · N8773F
Saluda, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Saluda, SC
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N8773F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA199
IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF TO A HOVER THE HELICOPTER ROLLED RIGHT. LEFT CYCLIC WAS APPLIED BY THE INSTRUCTOR WHO REALIZED THAT THE PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION WAS ALSO APPLYING LEFT CYCLIC. AS THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO ROLL RIGHT THE INSTRUCTOR LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE. HOWEVER THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED ROLLING UNTIL THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE MAIN ROTOR HEAD SEPARATED. THE INSTRUCTOR SAID THE FLIGHT CONTROLS HAD FEEL AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL VIBRATIONS. THE FRACTURED MAIN ROTOR MAST HAD EXCESSIVE POROSITY BUT FAILED IN OVERLOAD. A GOUGE WAS FOUND IN THE GROUND INDICATING THAT THE RIGHT SKID REAR TIP DRAGGED DURING THE LIFT-OFF AND PRECIPITATED THE DYNAMIC ROLL OVER.
NTSB Probable Cause
STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS DURING LIFT-OFF AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR.
Full Narrative
IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF TO A HOVER THE HELICOPTER ROLLED RIGHT. LEFT CYCLIC WAS APPLIED BY THE INSTRUCTOR WHO REALIZED THAT THE PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION WAS ALSO APPLYING LEFT CYCLIC. AS THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO ROLL RIGHT THE INSTRUCTOR LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE. HOWEVER THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED ROLLING UNTIL THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE MAIN ROTOR HEAD SEPARATED. THE INSTRUCTOR SAID THE FLIGHT CONTROLS HAD FEEL AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL VIBRATIONS. THE FRACTURED MAIN ROTOR MAST HAD EXCESSIVE POROSITY BUT FAILED IN OVERLOAD. A GOUGE WAS FOUND IN THE GROUND INDICATING THAT THE RIGHT SKID REAR TIP DRAGGED DURING THE LIFT-OFF AND PRECIPITATED THE DYNAMIC ROLL OVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportEtheridge (0nm N)
Runway36
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN8773F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-B1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4300 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC