Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Winthrop, WA — 2021-01-09

Final reportWPR21LA084
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Date
2021-01-09
Location
Winthrop, WA, USA
Airport
S52
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N8612F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment which resulted in a collision with a snowbank and subsequent loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing in a snow-covered, unimproved landing zone, the helicopter drifted rearward, the tail rotor struck a snowbank, and the helicopter began to spin to the right. The pilot reduced the throttle setting to off and applied left pedal to reduce the spin, but the helicopter drifted to the right and the right skid impacted snow. The helicopter subsequently rolled over and impacted terrain. The tailboom and the main and tail rotor drive systems were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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