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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 7, 1986 · Hughes 500A · N4237D

Fall River, MA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fall River, MA
Aircraft
Hughes 500A
Tail Number
N4237D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC86LA174

THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED FOG AND HAZE DURING RETURN FLIGHT TO NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS. THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTION CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND CRASHED INTO THE NORTH WATUPPA POND.

Full Narrative

THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED FOG AND HAZE DURING RETURN FLIGHT TO NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS. THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTION CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND CRASHED INTO THE NORTH WATUPPA POND.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 500A
Tail NumberN4237D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C18 · Turboshaft · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightBright Night
Wind180°
Visibility10 sm
Ceiling400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data