N941BD

Substantial
Minor

HUGHES 269BS/N: 180347

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA339
Location
Princeton, CA
Event ID
20160628X70613
Coordinates
39.404998, -122.015830
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The uncertificated pilot's failure to maintain pitch and directional control, which resulted in an impact with terrain and a rollover.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N941BD
Make
HUGHES
Serial Number
180347
Year Built
1968
Model / ICAO
269B

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SYLVANIA ELECTRIC LLC
Address
5328 SE 109TH AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
PORTLAND
State / Zip Code
OR 97266-4142
Country
United States

Analysis

The uncertificated helicopter pilot who was familiar with the helicopter, which was parked at a farm, decided to relocate the helicopter to another location on the farm. Having no other means to move the helicopter, he decided to fly the helicopter to the new location. As he neared the new location in a hover, he became "scared" by the proximity of electrical wires, the helicopter pitched up, the tail rotor impacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were 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# GAA16CA339