Casualties unknown

Ground Resonance Incident During Helicopter Training Landing (N8657F)

St.petersburg, FL, US

On June 8, 1985, a Hughes 269C (registration N8657F) 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 training landing, a helicopter experienced severe resonant vibration. The instructor found the collective unresponsive. Investigation revealed the clutch pulley bracket failed due to overload.

Incident Overview

A helicopter was completing a training flight with an instructor pilot and a non-rated, non-certificated student pilot on board. As the aircraft touched down, a severe resonant vibration began. The instructor stated that he attempted to lift off the ground but the collective input gave no response.

Findings

Post-incident examination revealed that the clutch pulley bracket had failed due to overload. Witnesses described the vibration as typical of ground resonance.

Investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the clutch pulley bracket, which was found to have been subjected to overload conditions. The exact sequence of events leading to the overload was not specified in the available information. The incident occurred during a routine landing after a training session.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36845. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.