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NTSB Report
February 11, 1986 · Mcdonnell Douglas 369D · N609PD
Cougar, WA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 11, 1986
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Cougar, WA
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail Number
N609PD
Operator
Jim Hamilton
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA86FA056
THE HELICOPTER DEPARTED THE LANDING AREA AFTER A NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION ACROSS THE VALLEY FLOOR FROM THE MT. ST. HELENS VOLCANO. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE PLT REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLOSING IN AND GETTING 'NASTY'. WX CONDITIONS AS REPORTED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE SUPPORT THE CONTENTION A METEOROLOGICAL EVENT CAUSED THE PLT TO LOSE VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE HORIZON AND IMPACT TERRAIN WHILE DESCENDING TO THE VALLEY FLOOR AT CRUISE SPEED.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER DEPARTED THE LANDING AREA AFTER A NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION ACROSS THE VALLEY FLOOR FROM THE MT. ST. HELENS VOLCANO. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE PLT REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLOSING IN AND GETTING 'NASTY'. WX CONDITIONS AS REPORTED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE SUPPORT THE CONTENTION A METEOROLOGICAL EVENT CAUSED THE PLT TO LOSE VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE HORIZON AND IMPACT TERRAIN WHILE DESCENDING TO THE VALLEY FLOOR AT CRUISE SPEED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:15 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail NumberN609PD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJim Hamilton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-20-C · Turboshaft · 375
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind130° @ 11 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time04:54
Weather SourceWFAC