On August 25, 1989, a Hughes 269A (registration N9014N) operated by City OF Jacksonville was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOK-OUT BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER, WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS. THE TRANSMISSION LINES WERE CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot on an aerial observation flight descended to 50 ft AGL to show a passenger a monitoring station, failed to see transmission lines, and lost control after a quick stop maneuver to avoid power lines, resulting in a ground strike and rollover.
Flight Details
The helicopter pilot was conducting an aerial observation flight with a passenger. During the flight, the pilot descended to approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL) to show the passenger a monitoring station. The pilot did not observe transmission lines ahead until a collision was imminent.
Accident Sequence
After noticing the transmission lines, the pilot pulled up to avoid a set of telephone lines and then saw power lines directly ahead. The pilot attempted a quick stop maneuver to avoid the power lines, but lost control of the helicopter during the maneuver. The helicopter then struck the ground and rolled over.