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NTSB Report
February 28, 1983 · Hughes 269A · N42426
Phoenix, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 1983
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Hughes 269A
Tail Number
N42426
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX83FA121
THE PURPOSE OF FLT WAS TO TAKE AERIAL PHOTOGRPHS OF A BUSINESS AGENCY NEAR THE CRASH SITE. THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED ORBITING A PARKING LOT IN A RIGHT HAND PATTERN AT 150-300 FT AGL. AFTER 2-3 ORBITS IT APPEARED TO HOVER BEFORE PITCHING NOSE DOWN TO A NEAR INVERTED POSITION, FOLLOWED BY A STEEP DESCENT UNTIL IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. FOLOWING THE PITCH OVER, PIECES OF THE TAIL AND/OR M/R BLADES SEPARATED. THERE WAS LEADING EDGE M/R DAMAGE & PAINT TRANSFER CONSISTENT WITH TAIL BOOM STRIKE PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE MAIN ROTOR & HUB ASS'Y WAS LOCATED ABOUT 30 FT FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE.
Full Narrative
THE PURPOSE OF FLT WAS TO TAKE AERIAL PHOTOGRPHS OF A BUSINESS AGENCY NEAR THE CRASH SITE. THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED ORBITING A PARKING LOT IN A RIGHT HAND PATTERN AT 150-300 FT AGL. AFTER 2-3 ORBITS IT APPEARED TO HOVER BEFORE PITCHING NOSE DOWN TO A NEAR INVERTED POSITION, FOLLOWED BY A STEEP DESCENT UNTIL IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. FOLOWING THE PITCH OVER, PIECES OF THE TAIL AND/OR M/R BLADES SEPARATED. THERE WAS LEADING EDGE M/R DAMAGE & PAINT TRANSFER CONSISTENT WITH TAIL BOOM STRIKE PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE MAIN ROTOR & HUB ASS'Y WAS LOCATED ABOUT 30 FT FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:13 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269A
Tail NumberN42426
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 9 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC