Pilot Debrief

Hughes 369 near Asotin, WA — 2019-09-01

Final reportWPR19LA249
Sign in to save
Date
2019-09-01
Location
Asotin, WA, USA
Aircraft
Hughes 369
Registration
N54528
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he was departing over a river in dark night conditions when, shortly after takeoff, the helicopter yawed severely to the left. He applied full right anti-torque pedal and the helicopter subsequently impacted the water. The helicopter was not examined after the accident, and the reason for the loss of control could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to dark night conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps