FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Helicopter Sinks After Cyclic Control Binding During Climb (N9227F)

Papua, PP

On April 2, 1991, a Hughes 369C (registration N9227F) operated by Sardina & Cileu Mgt. Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Papua, PP. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DUE TO A RESTRICTION OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL SYSTEM. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries when their helicopter sank after experiencing cyclic control binding during a climb from 100 feet over international waters. The aircraft cartwheeled and sank after a float contacted the water.

Incident Details

A certificated commercial pilot was conducting a flight between two tuna fishing vessels in international waters, with one passenger on board. As the pilot began a climb from an altitude of about 100 feet above the water, he discovered that the helicopter's cyclic control was binding in its longitudinal axis. Despite the control issue, the helicopter continued to climb until it reached a near-vertical attitude. In an attempt to correct the attitude, the pilot applied rudder pedal to swing the nose downward. Subsequently, the helicopter descended rapidly toward the ocean surface.

Outcome

During the rapid descent, a float attached to the landing gear skid made contact with the water. The impact caused the floats to be torn off, and the helicopter cartwheeled before ultimately sinking. The helicopter was not recovered from the ocean. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1991 Hughes 369C accident near Papua, PP?

A commercial pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries when their helicopter sank after experiencing cyclic control binding during a climb from 100 feet over international waters. The aircraft cartwheeled and sank after a float contacted the water.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 1991 Hughes 369C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1991 involved a Hughes 369C, registration N9227F, operated by Sardina & Cileu Mgt. Inc., at Papua, PP.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DUE TO A RESTRICTION OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16813. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.