1998-09-27: Hughes 369D — Bureau OF Land Management — Homer, AK

Casualties unknown • Homer, AK, US

Probable cause

The passenger not following the instructions given by the pilot. Contributing factors were the rising terrain and the pilot's diverted attention during the toe in landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The helicopter was engaged in a partial power toe in landing to disembark two passengers. The passenger on the left side walked uphill, and was struck by the main rotor blades, sustaining serious injuries. The helicopter sustained minor damage to the rotor system, and the pilot relocated to a safe landing site. According to the other passenger and the pilot, the passengers had been briefed to not walk uphill when exiting the helicopter. The pilot stated that his attention was diverted between the passengers on each side of the helicopter, and maintaining the helicopter's position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-09-27 Hughes 369D accident near Homer, AK?

The helicopter was engaged in a partial power toe in landing to disembark two passengers. The passenger on the left side walked uphill, and was struck by the main rotor blades, sustaining serious injuries. The helicopter sustained minor damage to the rotor system, and the pilot relocated to a safe landing site.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-09-27 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N1091P, operated by Bureau OF Land Management, at Homer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The passenger not following the instructions given by the pilot. Contributing factors were the rising terrain and the pilot's diverted attention during the toe in landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10998. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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