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NTSB Report

April 27, 2001 · Hughes 269B · N9508F

Nacogdoches, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Nacogdoches, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 269B
Tail Number
N9508F
Operator
Otto
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW01LA109

The helicopter was parked on a trailer between two T-hangars and under a power line. The pilot stated that he cleared the area around the helicopter; however, he did not clear the area directly over the helicopter. The pilot lifted off the trailer and impacted the power line approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot mentioned that at the time of the accident, "the sun was at an angle and intensity so that the wires were not visible." He also stated that the wires were not marked with red balls. The power line wrapped around the main rotor mast and partially separated one of the main rotor blades. The helicopter then entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wires during takeoff. Contributory factors were the sunglare and the unmarked wires.

Full Narrative

On April 27, 2001, at 1740 central daylight time, a Hughes 269B helicopter, N9508F, was substantially damaged when it impacted wires and terrain during takeoff at the A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport near Nacogdoches, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the helicopter was parked on a trailer between two T-hangars and under a power line. The pilot stated that he cleared the area around the helicopter; however, he did not clear the area directly over the helicopter. The pilot lifted off the trailer and impacted the power line approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot mentioned that at the time of the accident, "the sun was at an angle and intensity so that the wires were not visible." He also stated that the wires were not marked with red balls. The FAA inspector stated that the power line wrapped around the main rotor mast and partially separated one of the main rotor blades. The helicopter then descended and impacted the ground. The FAA inspector stated that the mast, main rotor blades and cabin area sustained structural damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:40 CDT
Nearest AirportA.L. Mangham Jr. Regional (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 269B
Tail NumberN9508F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOtto
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data