On August 28, 1993, a Hughes 369D (registration N5074R) operated by Soloy Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, AND HIS DELAY IN TAKING REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND GUSTY WINDS. 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.
Following a low pass over a mountainous work site, the helicopter struck the mountainside with its right skid during a turn, tearing off the skid and part of the crosstubes. It returned to base and landed on a makeshift support. The pilot reported possible downdraft and gusty winds.
Incident Details
The helicopter executed a low pass over a mountainous work site before initiating a right turn. The pilot stated that he soon recognized the helicopter would not be able to outclimb the steep terrain and began a left turn. During this maneuver, the right skid made contact with the mountainside.
Damage
The impact tore the right skid and the right half of the crosstubes from the airframe. Additional damage was sustained by the fuselage. Despite the damage, the helicopter returned to its nearby base camp and landed on a makeshift support structure.
Pilot and Passenger Reports
The pilot reported that he might have encountered a downdraft. Additionally, the pilot and four passengers noted that winds were gusty at the time of the accident.