1991-06-29: Hughes 269A — Dse Inc. — Manassas, VA

Casualties unknown • Manassas, VA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED AT A LOW ALTITUDE WHICH RESULTED IN THE HELICOPTER SETTLING WITH POWER. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PRESCRIBED PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE PILOT EXECUTED A STEEP DESCENDING TURN TO APPROXIMATELY 150 AGL, TO OVERFLY THE PASSENGER'S HOUSE. SHORTLY AFTER LEVELING AT 150 FEET, WITH 'SLOW FORWARD AIRSPEED,' THE HELICOPTER MADE A 'SUDDEN QUICK TURN TO THE RIGHT AND PITCHED NOSE DOWN...,' DESCENDING INTO TREES. THE WIND AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS CALM. ACCORDING TO THE HEIGHT VELOCITY DIAGRAM FOR THE HUGHES 269A, OPERATION OF THE HELICOPTER AT 150 FEET AND ZERO TO 52 KNOTS OF INDICATED AIRSPEED SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-06-29 Hughes 269A accident near Manassas, VA?

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE PILOT EXECUTED A STEEP DESCENDING TURN TO APPROXIMATELY 150 AGL, TO OVERFLY THE PASSENGER'S HOUSE. SHORTLY AFTER LEVELING AT 150 FEET, WITH 'SLOW FORWARD AIRSPEED,' THE HELICOPTER MADE A 'SUDDEN QUICK TURN TO THE RIGHT AND PITCHED NOSE DOWN...,' DESCENDING INTO TREES. THE WIND AT THE TIME…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-06-29 involved a Hughes 269A, registration N48323, operated by Dse Inc., at Manassas, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED AT A LOW ALTITUDE WHICH RESULTED IN THE HELICOPTER SETTLING WITH POWER. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PRESCRIBED PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17372. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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