Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Tree After Failure to Clear Obstructions During Confined Area Takeoff (N26628)

Lockport, IL, US

On June 18, 1989, a Hughes 269C (registration N26628) was involved in an aviation accident near Lockport, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to climb high enough to clear obstructions before starting his acceleration to level flight during a takeoff from a confined area. 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 sightseeing flight from a carnival's temporary landing site, a helicopter's main rotor blades struck a tree after the pilot failed to climb high enough to clear obstructions. The helicopter descended out of control, hitting a house, wires, and a tree before crashing and rolling onto its left side.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during a sightseeing flight conducted from a temporary landing site at a carnival. The pilot of the helicopter was initiating a takeoff from a confined area. The flight was one of a series of scenic flights operated from that location.

During the initial climb, the pilot failed to climb high enough to clear obstructions before starting the acceleration to level flight. As a result, the main rotor blades struck a tree. Following the impact, the helicopter descended out of control. It subsequently struck a house, wires, and another tree before impacting the terrain. After the ground impact, the helicopter rolled onto its left side.

Result

The helicopter sustained damage from the impacts with the tree, house, wires, and terrain. The accident sequence ended with the helicopter resting on its left side after rolling over.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to climb high enough to clear obstructions before starting his acceleration to level flight during a takeoff from a confined area.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28522. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.