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NTSB Report
September 19, 2015 · Hughes 269B · N141LL
Hartford, AL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 19, 2015
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Hartford, AL
Aircraft
Hughes 269B (1967)
Tail Number
N141LL
Operator
Eagel Aviation Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15CA364
The helicopter pilot was departing from a field at a family farm and attempted to clear an adjacent driveway when the left skid toe caught on the top of a wire fence. The pilot applied aft cyclic in an attempt to climb; however, the helicopter rolled to the left and impacted the ground. The main rotor, tail rotor, and airframe sustained substantial damage. Subsequent examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions which would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported about 3,900 hours of total flight experience in rotorcraft, which included 160 hours in the same make and model as the accident helicopter. He further reported that the accident could have been prevented had he conducted a walk around of the takeoff area to better evaluate prospective hazards.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and his subsequent failure to attain adequate altitude during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a wire fence.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the helicopter was taking off from a field at farm, and attempted to clear a driveway, when the left skid toe caught on the top of a wire fence. The pilot applied aft cyclic in an attempt to climb; however, the helicopter rolled to the left and impacted the ground. The main rotor, tail rotor, and airframe sustained substantial damage. Subsequent examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions which would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported about 3,900 hours of total flight experience in rotorcraft, which included 160 hours in the same make and model as the accident helicopter. He further reported that the accident could have been prevented had he conducted a walk around of the takeoff area to better evaluate prospective hazards.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269B
Tail NumberN141LL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEagel Aviation Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time14:58
Weather SourceWFAC