Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 269C near Wenatchee, WA — 2011-07-12

Final reportWPR11LA325
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Date
2011-07-12
Location
Wenatchee, WA, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 269C
Registration
N3623Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control while hovering out of ground effect at low altitude, which resulted in the helicopter settling into trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during a low altitude and slow airspeed flight to dry cherry trees, the engine lost power, and the helicopter subsequently settled into the trees. However, when the helicopter came to rest, the engine was still operating, and he had shut it down. During postaccident examination of the engine and airframe, no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure was found that would have precluded normal operation of the engine or flight controls. It is likely that the pilot did not maintain control of the helicopter while hovering out of ground effect at low altitude and experienced a settling with power event.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to gain altitude before attempting to dry the trees.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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