Summary
On June 10, 1994, a Hughes 369D (N1088G) was involved in an incident near Snoqualmie, WA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED AND TAILWIND.
On June 9, 1994, at 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369D, N1088G, collided with trees while maneuvering for landing near Snoqualmie, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured.
In a written statement the pilot reported that at the end of the work day, he was preparing to land on a pad to pick up ground crew. The pilot made a low pass over the pad, then pulled up and turned downwind for the landing. The helicopter began to settle with power and the descent rate increased, followed by a low RPM indication.
This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA94LA147. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1088G.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED AND TAILWIND.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On June 9, 1994, at 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369D, N1088G, collided with trees while maneuvering for landing near Snoqualmie, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured.
In a written statement the pilot reported that at the end of the work day, he was preparing to land on a pad to pick up ground crew. The pilot made a low pass over the pad, then pulled up and turned downwind for the landing. The helicopter began to settle with power and the descent rate increased, followed by a low RPM indication. The pilot stated that he "lowered the power" and pushed the cyclic forward in an attempt to abort the landing, however, the helicopter collided with the nearby tree tops. The pilot was able to land the helicopter without further incident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA94LA147