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Helicopter Passenger Struck by Rotor Blades During Landing (N1091P)

Homer, AK, US

On September 27, 1998, a Hughes 369D (registration N1091P) operated by Bureau OF Land Management was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a partial power toe-in landing for passenger disembarkation, a left-side passenger walked uphill, was struck by main rotor blades, and sustained serious injuries. The helicopter sustained minor damage.

Incident Overview

A helicopter was performing a partial power toe-in landing to allow two passengers to disembark. After exiting, the passenger on the left side walked uphill and was struck by the main rotor blades, resulting in serious injuries. The rotor system sustained minor damage. The pilot subsequently relocated the helicopter to a safe landing site.

Passenger Briefing and Pilot Actions

According to accounts from the other passenger and the pilot, the passengers had been briefed prior to the flight that they should not walk uphill when exiting the helicopter. The pilot reported that his attention was divided between monitoring the passengers on each side of the helicopter and maintaining the helicopter's position during the landing.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

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

During a partial power toe-in landing for passenger disembarkation, a left-side passenger walked uphill, was struck by main rotor blades, and sustained serious injuries. The helicopter sustained minor damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Sept 1998 Hughes 369D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1998 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.

More accident analyses

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.