On February 24, 1990, a Hughes 269C (registration N7504A) was involved in an aviation accident near Houma, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain engine and rotor RPM during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a loss of power and subsequent terrain impact. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter crashed during a supervised instructional solo flight after the pilot initiated a go-around and experienced engine RPM fluctuations, leading to an autorotation and terrain impact.
What happened
During a supervised instructional solo flight, the pilot initiated a go-around at an altitude of 150 feet above ground level (AGL) and a speed of 60 knots. As the pilot applied up collective pitch, the engine RPM and main rotor RPM began to fluctuate significantly. In response to the power loss, the pilot entered an autorotation to maintain control. However, during the subsequent landing attempt, the helicopter struck the terrain and rolled over.
The investigation
Following the accident, the helicopter was disassembled for a thorough mechanical analysis. The examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have contributed to the loss of power.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain engine and rotor RPM during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a loss of power and subsequent terrain impact.
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