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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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March 11, 2009 · Hughes 269C · N64731

El Indio, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 11, 2009
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
El Indio, TX
Aircraft
Hughes 269C
Tail Number
N64731
Operator
Claude R Cage
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09LA202

The pilot of the helicopter and a Food and Drug Administration employee had been herding cattle when it began to mist and they decided to return to the landing zone. Heavy rain began to fall and the wind began gusting as they attempted to land on a transport trailer. One or both of the helicopter skids hooked under the trailer and the helicopter rolled over. The main rotors were destroyed and the tail boom was severed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to land on a transport trailer in heavy rain and gusting winds.

Full Narrative

On March 11, 2009, approximately 1140 central daylight time, a Hughes 269C, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the skids hooked under a trailer as the pilot attempted to land and the helicopter rolled over at a ranch near El Indio, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The work use flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The local flight originated at an undetermined time. FAA inspectors who responded to the accident site asked the pilot what had happened. He answered, "I crashed." Asked why he crashed, he referred all questions to his attorney. A NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, was sent to the pilot. He declined to return the report. The following, therefore, is based on information provided by FAA's Flight Standards District Office in San Antonio, Texas. The pilot and a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employee had been herding cattle when it began to mist and they decided to return to the landing zone. Heavy rain began to fall and the wind began gusting as they attempted to land on a transport trailer. One or both of the helicopter skids hooked under the trailer and the helicopter rolled over. The main rotors were destroyed and the tail boom was severed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:36 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 269C
Tail NumberN64731
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorClaude R Cage
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-D1A · Reciprocating · 190
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 50
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time21:44
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data