Casualties unknown

Helicopter Rolls Over During Hover After Skid Stuck in Boggy Ground (N9020M)

St. Petersburg, FL, US

On March 18, 1983, a Hughes 269A (registration N9020M) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Petersburg, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, a helicopter's right skid became stuck in boggy ground while hovering. The instructor attempted recovery but the aircraft rolled over; occupants were uninjured.

Incident Overview

A helicopter accident occurred during a dual instructional flight when the right skid became stuck in boggy ground during a hover. The student pilot was at the controls at the end of a runway awaiting instructions from the tower when the skid contacted the ground and became embedded in the soft terrain. The instructor pilot took control in an attempt to recover, but the helicopter rolled over onto its side before recovery could be achieved.

Sequence of Events

The helicopter was in a hover at the runway's end while the student pilot awaited tower instructions. During the hover, the right skid contacted the ground and became stuck in boggy ground. This led to the helicopter entering a dynamic rollover. The instructor pilot assumed control to try to recover the aircraft, but the helicopter rolled over onto its side before the maneuver could be completed.

Occupant Status

Both occupants, the student and the instructor, were not injured in the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42522. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.