Summary
On July 14, 1995, a Hughes 269C (N88007) was involved in an incident near Crete, NE. 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: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the runway marker.
On July 14, 1995, at 1500 central daylight time, a Hughes 269C, N88007, registered to Silverhawk Security Specialists of Lincoln, Nebraska, collided with a runway marker while hovering at the Crete Airport, Crete, Nebraska, while on a maintenance test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
The pilot had been hovering while the main rotor disc lateral balance was being tested. He stated the winds were too "brisk" to hover with a downwind.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI95LA222. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N88007.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the runway marker.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 14, 1995, at 1500 central daylight time, a Hughes 269C, N88007, registered to Silverhawk Security Specialists of Lincoln, Nebraska, collided with a runway marker while hovering at the Crete Airport, Crete, Nebraska, while on a maintenance test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
The pilot had been hovering while the main rotor disc lateral balance was being tested. He stated the winds were too "brisk" to hover with a downwind. He performed a clearing turn and ultimately lined "the nose of the helicopter with the prevailing wind." The pilot began hovering sideways and after moving about 20 feet, the rear position of the right skid tube contacted a runway marker sign. The helicopter then entered what the pilot described as a "dymanic rollover." The pilot stated his view was blocked by the passenger and the right rear corner of the cabin structure.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95LA222