Casualties unknown

1996-05-31: Hughes 369HS (N444GJ) — Arock, OR

Arock, OR, US

On May 31, 1996, a Hughes 369HS (registration N444GJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Arock, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to see and avoid the transmission wire. A factor was the low altitude flight. 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 flew into a power line at low altitude and speed. The pilot reported loss of vertical control but maintained lateral control. An emergency landing in rough terrain resulted in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

While flying at an altitude of approximately 40 to 50 feet above ground level and at a speed of 100 knots, the helicopter struck a power line. The pilot, in a statement to state troopers following the accident, reported that after the wire strike, he experienced lateral control (side-to-side) but no vertical control (up-and-down).

Pilot Report

On his official accident report, the pilot described performing an emergency landing in rough terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter. He also stated that he had not seen the wire that the helicopter struck.

Damage Assessment

The accident led to substantial damage, as reported by the pilot. The specific extent of the damage was not further detailed in the source.

Additional Information

No other details regarding the helicopter's type, registration number, operator, location, or time of day were provided in the source. There were no mentions of injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05884. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.