On May 25, 1983, a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 (registration N543FH) was involved in an aviation accident near Beaumont, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor RPM during climb after takeoff, which resulted in a settling with power condition and subsequent collision with a building. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a loss of rotor RPM during climb after takeoff from a shopping center parking lot, resulting in an emergency landing and impact with a building.
What happened
The accident occurred when a helicopter sustained damage following an emergency landing on a public street. The aircraft had just departed from an adjacent parking lot located within a shopping center complex. According to the pilot's account, the helicopter lost rotor RPM while climbing between 150 and 175 feet above ground level after takeoff. This loss of rotational speed caused the aircraft to enter a settling with power situation, a condition where the helicopter descends into its own downwash.
During the subsequent descent, the helicopter bounced upon initial contact with the street surface. Following the bounce, the aircraft skidded across the pavement and collided with a nearby building structure. The pilot reported that the loss of rotor RPM was the primary event leading to the uncontrolled descent and final impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor RPM during climb after takeoff, which resulted in a settling with power condition and subsequent collision with a building.
What happened in the 25 May 1983 Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 accident near Beaumont, TX?
A helicopter experienced a loss of rotor RPM during climb after takeoff from a shopping center parking lot, resulting in an emergency landing and impact with a building.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 May 1983 involved a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100, registration N543FH, at Beaumont, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor RPM during climb after takeoff, which resulted in a settling with power condition and subsequent collision with a building.
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