Casualties unknown

Hughes 269C Helicopter Collides with Terrain During Supervised Solo Flight (N1102H)

Carlsbad, CA, US

On June 29, 1990, a Hughes 269C (registration N1102H) operated by Flight Trails Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Carlsbad, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AT A HOVER. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Hughes 269C helicopter collided with terrain during a solo training flight after the pilot lost control following an engine rpm drop during a hovering turn.

Accident Overview

A Hughes 269C helicopter collided with terrain during a training flight. The pilot was receiving helicopter instruction for an add-on rotorcraft category rating and had accumulated about 10 hours of dual instruction. The accident flight was his first supervised solo.

Flight Sequence

According to the pilot, he took off to a hover and found the throttle friction to be too loose. He landed and adjusted the throttle friction. After taking off to a hover again, he entered a right hovering turn. During the turn, the engine rpm dropped. The pilot increased the throttle, and the helicopter began to spin to the right. The pilot lost control of the helicopter, and it impacted the ground.

Aircraft Information

The helicopter was a Hughes 269C. No specific registration, operator, or additional details were provided in the source.

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.