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NTSB Report
September 6, 1986 · Hughes 500 (369HS) · N2254X
West Lafayette, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
West Lafayette, IN
Aircraft
Hughes 500 (369HS)
Tail Number
N2254X
Operator
R J Dubray
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI86LA219
THE HELICOPTER WAS AT A LOW ALTITUDE HOVER VIDEO TAPING AN ATHLETIC EVENT WHEN THE AFT FLEX COUPLING ON THE TAIL ROTOR FAILED. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND DURING DESCENT THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE ROOF OF A RESIDENCE. THE HELICOPTER THEN FELL INTO THE YARD.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS AT A LOW ALTITUDE HOVER VIDEO TAPING AN ATHLETIC EVENT WHEN THE AFT FLEX COUPLING ON THE TAIL ROTOR FAILED. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND DURING DESCENT THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE ROOF OF A RESIDENCE. THE HELICOPTER THEN FELL INTO THE YARD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:05 EDT
Nearest Airport1nm NNE
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 500 (369HS)
Tail NumberN2254X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorR J Dubray
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250 CIBA · Turboshaft · 278
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 11 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC