No fatalities

Helicopter Rolls Over During Autorotation After Engine RPM Loss During Fire Control Operation (N3961H)

Ogilvie, MN, US

On October 22, 1989, a Hughes 369HS (registration N3961H) was involved in an aviation accident near Ogilvie, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN CONDITIONS IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After dropping a sling load during a fire control operation, the pilot experienced engine RPM loss and conducted an emergency autorotation. The helicopter touched down in a swampy area, rolled over, and sustained damage. No mechanical failure or fuel shortage was found.

Incident Overview

During a helicopter fire control operation, the pilot reported that after releasing a sling load, the engine RPM began to drop. Subsequently, the engine out light illuminated, accompanied by a low RPM warning audio alert. The pilot initiated an emergency autorotation.

Landing and Damage

The autorotation was performed in a burned-out swampy area. Upon touchdown, the helicopter rolled over and sustained damage.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination found no pre-accident part failure or malfunction of the engine or any systems. Additionally, there was no evidence of a fuel supply shortage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1989 Hughes 369HS accident near Ogilvie, MN?

After dropping a sling load during a fire control operation, the pilot experienced engine RPM loss and conducted an emergency autorotation. The helicopter touched down in a swampy area, rolled over, and sustained damage. No mechanical failure or fuel shortage was found.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Oct 1989 Hughes 369HS accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1989 involved a Hughes 369HS, registration N3961H, at Ogilvie, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN CONDITIONS IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29682. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.