On June 2, 1990, a Hughes 369HS (registration N436DS) operated by Charles Bella was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN CAUSE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost engine power at low altitude after passenger pickup in remote mountains. Pilot performed autorotation but helicopter rolled down slope, resulting in serious injuries and substantial damage.
Accident Overview
Following the pickup of a passenger from a remote mountain site, the helicopter experienced a loss of engine power at an altitude of approximately 50 feet. The pilot initiated an autorotative landing onto the mountainside. During the landing, the helicopter rolled down the slope and eventually came to rest facing uphill.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries and were transported by medical evacuation to medical facilities. The helicopter incurred substantial damage. There was no post-impact fire.
Narrative
The accident occurred during a remote mountain passenger pickup. Shortly after departure from the landing site, while still at low altitude, the engine ceased to produce power. The pilot executed a landing technique used for powerless descent, but the terrain prevented a controlled stop, leading to the helicopter rolling down the mountain. The final resting orientation was with the nose pointed up the slope.