Hughes 269C loss of control during solo flight

Casualties unknown • Carlsbad, CA, US

A Hughes 269C helicopter crashed into terrain during a student pilot's first supervised solo flight following an engine RPM drop.

What happened

A Hughes 269C helicopter crashed into terrain during a flight intended to be the pilot's first supervised solo. The pilot was undergoing instruction for an Airplane and Glider (A-P) on Rotorcraft category rating and had previously completed approximately 10 hours of dual instruction.

During the initial phase of the flight, the pilot took off to a hover but noted that the throttle friction was too loose. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft to adjust the throttle friction setting. Upon taking off for a second time and reaching a hover, the pilot entered a right hovering turn. During this maneuver, the engine RPM dropped. In an attempt to compensate, the pilot increased the throttle, which caused the helicopter to begin spinning to the right. The pilot was unable to maintain control, resulting in the aircraft impacting the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the helicopter after increasing the throttle in response to a drop in engine RPM during a right hovering turn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-06-29 Hughes 269C accident near Carlsbad, CA?

A Hughes 269C helicopter crashed into terrain during a student pilot's first supervised solo flight following an engine RPM drop.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-29 involved a Hughes 269C, registration N1102H, operated by Flight Trails Helicopters, at Carlsbad, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the helicopter after increasing the throttle in response to a drop in engine RPM during a right hovering turn.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23469. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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