Casualties unknown

1983-07-26: Hughes 369D (N1109) — Kemah, TX

Kemah, TX, US

On July 26, 1983, a Hughes 369D (registration N1109) was involved in an aviation accident near Kemah, TX. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter pilot landed in a restaurant parking lot. After being informed of a local ordinance prohibiting such operations and that police were called, the pilot prepared to take off. A person approached to protest, and during the altercation, the person jumped or fell from the helicopter about 20 feet and was injured.

Incident Overview

A helicopter pilot executed a landing in a restaurant parking lot. Following the landing, the pilot was informed that a local ordinance had been passed that specifically prohibited helicopter operations from restaurant parking lots. Additionally, the pilot was told that the police had been summoned.

Pilot's Actions

Upon receiving this information, the pilot prepared to take off. While making preparations, a person approached the helicopter. This individual expressed protest regarding the helicopter's operation near his trailer house and commanded the pilot not to take off.

Altercation Sequence

The pilot reported feeling afraid for his safety. Consequently, the pilot initiated a lift-off to a hover, then descended back to the ground. This maneuver of lifting to a hover and descending was repeated "a couple of times." This sequence continued until the person jumped off the helicopter.

Fall and Injury

The person either jumped or fell from the helicopter. The fall was approximately 20 feet. As a result of the fall, the person sustained injuries.

Aftermath

No further details about the injuries or subsequent actions were provided in the report. The incident did not involve any additional aircraft or personnel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43764. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.