Casualties unknown

1994-08-18: Hughes 369HS (N74AW) — Wild West Helo Tours, Inc — Custer, SD

Custer, SD, US

On August 18, 1994, a Hughes 369HS (registration N74AW) operated by Wild West Helo Tours, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Custer, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain on which to perform an autorotation. A factor in this accident was the hidden obstruction. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter practicing autorotations struck a rock obscured by grass, causing ground resonance and rotor blade strikes to the airframe.

Incident Overview

A helicopter pilot was practicing autorotations. During the second autorotation, the helicopter's skid collided with a rock. The pilot reported that the rock was obscured by grass and he did not see it, although he saw other rocks in front of the aircraft as it descended.

Sequence of Events

Following the collision, the helicopter entered ground resonance. The pilot described the rotor blades gyrating out of their normal path, striking the airframe numerous times.

Prescribed Details

No further details about the helicopter's type, registration, operator, occupants, injuries, or damage extent are available in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02009. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.