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Helicopter Destroyed by Post-Impact Fire Following Witnessed Descent (N435FH)

Van Horn, TX, US

On August 18, 1994, a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 (registration N435FH) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Horn, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE UNCORRECTED DESCENT BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE AIRCRAFT. 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 helicopter departed El Paso, Texas, for the Dallas area. A witness reported a sudden right turn and 30-40 degree descent. Post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter; no mechanical anomalies were found. The pilot lacked a helicopter certificate and was endorsed for local solo flight only.

Flight and Witness Observation

A helicopter departed El Paso, Texas, en route to the Dallas, Texas, area. A witness observed the aircraft traveling southeast before it made a sudden turn to the right and initiated a 30 to 40 degree downward flight path.

Post-Impact Fire and Examination

The helicopter was destroyed by a post-impact fire. Examination of the helicopter and its engine revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Pilot Qualifications

Investigation determined that the pilot was not certificated to operate helicopters. He had been endorsed by a certificated flight instructor for local solo flight only. The flight instructor reported providing the pilot with 10 to 15 hours of flight training.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 1994 Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 accident near Van Horn, TX?

A helicopter departed El Paso, Texas, for the Dallas area. A witness reported a sudden right turn and 30-40 degree descent. Post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter; no mechanical anomalies were found. The pilot lacked a helicopter certificate and was endorsed for local solo flight only.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 1994 involved a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100, registration N435FH, at Van Horn, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE UNCORRECTED DESCENT BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE AIRCRAFT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02032. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.