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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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November 6, 2009 · Hughes 369 D · N89ZC

Baxley, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Baxley, GA
Aircraft
Hughes 369 D
Tail Number
N89ZC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10LA053

According to the pilot, the helicopter lost engine power less than a minute after takeoff and rolled over onto its left side during the subsequent autorotation. The pilot stated that the cause of the loss of engine power was because the “main fuel valve was pulled causing fuel starvation to the engine.” He also stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the main fuel valve position.

Full Narrative

On November 6, 2009, about 1130 eastern standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N89ZC, registered to Extreme Helicopters Inc, crashed into a field while conducting an autorotation following a loss of engine power, in Baxley, Georgia. The certificated private pilot was not injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was originating from a private residence in Baxley, Georgia. According to the pilot, the helicopter lost power less than a minute after takeoff. The helicopter rolled over onto its left side during the subsequent autorotation, substantially damaging the main rotor blades and airframe. The pilot further stated that the cause of the loss of engine power was that the “main fuel valve was pulled causing fuel starvation to the engine." Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found the helicopter on its left side, with damage to the main rotor blades and tail rotor.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 369 D
Tail NumberN89ZC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data