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NTSB Report
July 20, 1986 · Hughes 369D · N1109T
Houston, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 369D
Tail Number
N1109T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW86LA135
REPORTEDLY THE PILOT WAS INSTRUCTING THE CO-PILOT IN QUICK STOP MANEUVERS, WHEN THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL BOOM AND AFT SKIDS STRUCK THE GROUND ON DESCENT. THE HELICOPTER TAIL BOOM WAS BENT 2 FEET FORWARD OF THE TAIL ROTOR GEAR BOX AND BOTH AFT SKIDS WERE BROKEN. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS IN A STATIONARY HOVER WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG WHICH CAUSED THE HELICOPTER TO SPIN AND COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND. HOWEVER. THE FAA INSPECTOR AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT STATED THEY WERE PRACTICING QUICK STOPS AND THAT HE COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE.
Full Narrative
REPORTEDLY THE PILOT WAS INSTRUCTING THE CO-PILOT IN QUICK STOP MANEUVERS, WHEN THE HELICOPTER'S TAIL BOOM AND AFT SKIDS STRUCK THE GROUND ON DESCENT. THE HELICOPTER TAIL BOOM WAS BENT 2 FEET FORWARD OF THE TAIL ROTOR GEAR BOX AND BOTH AFT SKIDS WERE BROKEN. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS IN A STATIONARY HOVER WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG WHICH CAUSED THE HELICOPTER TO SPIN AND COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND. HOWEVER. THE FAA INSPECTOR AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT STATED THEY WERE PRACTICING QUICK STOPS AND THAT HE COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 CDT
Nearest Airport13nm W
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369D
Tail NumberN1109T
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 375
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:36
Weather SourceWFAC