On September 9, 1989, a Hughes 369D (registration N1088N) operated by Temsco Helicopters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Petersburg, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO OBTAIN CLEARANCE OVER TREES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE AIRCRAFT BEING ABOVE ITS MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATION AND THE TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter with passengers and equipment made three lift-off attempts. On the third, it reached about 20 feet but struck trees 50 feet away and 30 feet tall. Post-accident weighing revealed it was 200 pounds over maximum gross weight. No mechanical failures were reported.
Accident Sequence
After picking up passengers with equipment, the pilot made three lift-off attempts. The first two attempts were unsuccessful, with the helicopter failing to leave the ground. On the third attempt, the helicopter attained an altitude of approximately 20 feet. However, it did not clear a line of trees located 50 feet from the lift-off point. The trees were 30 feet in height, taller than the helicopter's achieved altitude. The helicopter struck the trees.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, the passengers and equipment were weighed. The total weight revealed that the helicopter was operating 200 pounds over its maximum gross weight limitation. This overweight condition was present at the time of the accident. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported in the aircraft's systems.
What happened in the 9 Sept 1989 Hughes 369D accident near Petersburg, AK?
A helicopter with passengers and equipment made three lift-off attempts. On the third, it reached about 20 feet but struck trees 50 feet away and 30 feet tall. Post-accident weighing revealed it was 200 pounds over maximum gross weight. No mechanical failures were reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Sept 1989 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N1088N, operated by Temsco Helicopters Inc., at Petersburg, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT FAILED TO OBTAIN CLEARANCE OVER TREES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE AIRCRAFT BEING ABOVE ITS MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATION AND THE TREES.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…