Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 269C near El Indio, TX — 2009-03-11

Final reportCEN09LA202
Sign in to save
Date
2009-03-11
Location
El Indio, TX, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 269C
Registration
N64731
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

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.

NTSB narrative

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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have chosen a different landing area before attempting to land.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps