Summary
On July 21, 2015, a Hughes 269C (N58397) was involved in an incident near Atlanta, TX. 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 non-helicopter rated pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in impact with terrain.
The pilot/owner, who is not rated in helicopters, reported that he departed the airport and flew the helicopter for 4 miles before landing in a parking lot in the city. During the landing flare the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box and tail boom.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA197. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N58397.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The non-helicopter rated pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in impact with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot/owner, who is not rated in helicopters, reported that he departed the airport and flew the helicopter for 4 miles before landing in a parking lot in the city. During the landing flare the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box and tail boom.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA197