On March 27, 1991, a Hughes 369HS (registration N5FC) operated by Omni Flight Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION (FENCE POST). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot maneuvered to land a helicopter in a clearing to communicate with ground personnel. While descending, the tail rotor and fins struck a metal fence post, causing a loud bang and shudder. The pilot performed a hover auto rotation and landed safely.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that he was landing the aircraft in a clearing on telephone company right-of-way property in order to communicate with the company's ground personnel. At an altitude of about 100 feet, after turning his craft into the wind and maneuvering to avoid some loose ground wires, he descended for a landing. At about 10 feet above the ground, he heard a loud bang, and the aircraft shuddered violently, but he did not lose pedal control. He executed a hover auto rotation, landed the aircraft, and shut down the engine. After exiting the aircraft, the pilot discovered that the tail rotor and fins had struck a 2-inch metal fence post that was 7 feet tall.
What happened in the 27 Mar 1991 Hughes 369HS accident near Columbia, MD?
A pilot maneuvered to land a helicopter in a clearing to communicate with ground personnel. While descending, the tail rotor and fins struck a metal fence post, causing a loud bang and shudder. The pilot performed a hover auto rotation and landed safely.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Mar 1991 Hughes 369HS accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Mar 1991 involved a Hughes 369HS, registration N5FC, operated by Omni Flight Helicopters, at Columbia, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE OBSTRUCTION (FENCE POST).
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