On August 24, 1990, a Hughes 369D (registration N5012A) operated by Aris Helicopter Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO EXIT THE HELICOPTER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND NO ONE AT THE CONTROLS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing a helicopter on a parking structure roof following a sling load operation, the pilot exited with the engine at high RPM to install a door. The helicopter lifted off, rose about 10 feet, and rolled over. A witness reported the pilot said his sleeve caught the collective.
Accident Overview
The incident took place at the conclusion of a sling load operation. The pilot landed the helicopter on the roof of a shopping mall parking structure. After landing, the pilot exited the helicopter while the engine remained running at high revolutions per minute. His intention was to retrieve the front door from the back seat and install it. As he began to install the door, the helicopter unexpectedly lifted off the rooftop.
Sequence of Events
Upon the helicopter's ascent, the pilot ran away from the aircraft. The helicopter climbed to an estimated altitude of approximately 10 feet above the roof surface. At that point, the helicopter rolled over, coming to rest on its side or inverted. A witness provided an account indicating that the pilot had told him his sleeve had become entangled with the collective control lever. This entanglement was described as the cause of the collective being raised, leading to the helicopter's lift-off. The sling load operation had likely involved transporting external cargo. The parking structure roof served as a temporary landing zone. The pilot's exit with the engine at high RPM was a significant action during the sequence. The door was presumably removed earlier for the sling load. No further details about the aftermath, such as injuries or damage, are provided in the source. The helicopter type, registration, and location are not specified.