Helicopter accident during hover at Palm Springs Regional Airport

Casualties unknown • Palm Springs, CA, US

A helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent and rolled over after its main rotor blade struck a fence while the pilot was attempting to hover.

What happened

During an attempt to hover the helicopter, the aircraft's main rotor blade struck a fence. This impact caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled descent, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over upon contacting the ground. At the time of the accident, the Palm Springs Regional Airport control tower reported winds from 340 degrees at 10 miles per hour. The pilot stated that he lost control of the aircraft due to the wind conditions while hovering.

Findings

In a written statement provided by the pilot, he noted that he could not provide a current pilot or medical certificate because he did not possess either. A subsequent review of Federal Aviation Administration records confirmed that no record of a pilot certificate or medical certificate had ever been issued to the pilot.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the helicopter during a hover due to wind conditions, leading the main rotor blade to strike a fence and causing an uncontrolled descent and rollover.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-05-26 Hughes 269A accident near Palm Springs, CA?

A helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent and rolled over after its main rotor blade struck a fence while the pilot was attempting to hover.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-05-26 involved a Hughes 269A, registration N7033H, operated by James D. Lee, at Palm Springs, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the helicopter during a hover due to wind conditions, leading the main rotor blade to strike a fence and causing an uncontrolled descent and rollover.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17052. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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