On September 21, 1990, a Hughes 369HS (registration N71552) operated by Steel City Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near New Orleans, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOSE OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter holding southwest of an airport at 70 knots and 300 feet AGL experienced a turbine engine flameout. The instructor pilot initiated an autorotation to an athletic field, flared abruptly to avoid a baseball backstop, and landed hard, causing the main rotor blades to droop and sever the tailboom. Post-accident examination found an incorrectly installed float arm and fuel system anomalies.
Accident Summary
A helicopter was holding to the southwest of an airport at approximately 70 knots and 300 feet above ground level while awaiting landing clearance. During this holding pattern, the turbine engine flamed out. The instructor pilot took over the controls and initiated an autorotation to an open athletic field. As the helicopter approached the ground, the instructor flared abruptly to avoid a baseball backstop, resulting in a hard landing. The impact caused the main rotor blades to droop and sever the tailboom.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, an examination of the helicopter's fuel system was conducted. The inspection revealed that a float arm had been installed incorrectly. Additionally, approximately 250 milliliters of jet fuel was drained from the main fuel cell. The auxiliary fuel tank was found full of fuel, with the pilot cockpit control lever in the off position.
What happened in the 21 Sept 1990 Hughes 369HS accident near New Orleans, LA?
A helicopter holding southwest of an airport at 70 knots and 300 feet AGL experienced a turbine engine flameout. The instructor pilot initiated an autorotation to an athletic field, flared abruptly to avoid a baseball backstop, and landed hard, causing the main rotor blades to droop and sever the tailboom.…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Sept 1990 involved a Hughes 369HS, registration N71552, operated by Steel City Aviation, at New Orleans, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOSE OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION.
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