HUGHES 269A near Grinnell, IA — 2012-04-17
Final reportCEN12LA247
- Date
- 2012-04-17
- Location
- Grinnell, IA, USA
- Airport
- GGI
- Aircraft
- HUGHES 269A
- Registration
- N69HJ
- Category
- Helicopter
- Highest injury
- None
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Takeoff roll
Probable cause
The pilot's improper liftoff technique, which resulted in ground resonance, and the pilot's delayed recognition of the ground resonance.
NTSB narrative
The helicopter began to vibrate as the pilot raised the collective for liftoff. The pilot lowered the collective and closed the throttle when the vibration began; however, he was too late in recognizing the onset of ground resonance, which resulted in a violent, uncontrollable oscillation and separation of the tail boom from the fuselage. Examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Loss of control
- First missed decision gate
- Pilot could have recognized ground resonance earlier to abort takeoff sooner.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- 2 docket documents
Docket documents2
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