Summary
On April 27, 2001, a Hughes 269B (N9508F) was involved in an accident near Nacogdoches, TX. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wires during takeoff. Contributory factors were the sunglare and the unmarked wires.
On April 27, 2001, at 1740 central daylight time, a Hughes 269B helicopter, N9508F, was substantially damaged when it impacted wires and terrain during takeoff at the A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport near Nacogdoches, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot, the helicopter was parked on a trailer between two T-hangars and under a power line.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW01LA109. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9508F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wires during takeoff. Contributory factors were the sunglare and the unmarked wires.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 27, 2001, at 1740 central daylight time, a Hughes 269B helicopter, N9508F, was substantially damaged when it impacted wires and terrain during takeoff at the A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport near Nacogdoches, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot, the helicopter was parked on a trailer between two T-hangars and under a power line. The pilot stated that he cleared the area around the helicopter; however, he did not clear the area directly over the helicopter. The pilot lifted off the trailer and impacted the power line approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot mentioned that at the time of the accident, "the sun was at an angle and intensity so that the wires were not visible." He also stated that the wires were not marked with red balls. The FAA inspector stated that the power line wrapped around the main rotor mast and partially separated one of the main rotor blades. The helicopter then descended and impacted the ground.
The FAA inspector stated that the mast, main rotor blades and cabin area sustained structural damage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW01LA109