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Casualties unknown

Passenger loses fingers after exiting helicopter before rotors stopped (N8784F)

Malibu, CA, US

On March 18, 1989, a Hughes 269A (registration N8784F) operated by Williams, Gerald L. was involved in an aviation accident near Malibu, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The passenger's decision to exit the helicopter before the main rotor blades had stopped and her subsequent action of raising her hand into the rotor arc. 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

A passenger exited a helicopter during shutdown procedures and raised her hand before the main rotor blades had fully stopped, resulting in amputation of her thumb and index finger.

What happened

Following touchdown, the pilot remained inside the helicopter to perform standard shutdown procedures. The aircraft's main rotor blades were still in motion during this process. A passenger, assisted by an individual standing outside the aircraft, exited the cabin before the rotors had come to a complete stop.

As the passenger was moving away from the aircraft, she raised her left hand while still within the sweep of the rotating blades. The main rotor struck her hand, causing severe trauma. The impact resulted in the amputation of her thumb and index finger.

Probable cause

The passenger's decision to exit the helicopter before the main rotor blades had stopped and her subsequent action of raising her hand into the rotor arc.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27920. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.