FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Helicopter Sinks After Ocean Swell Capsizes It During Precautionary Landing (N717ST)

Pacific Ocean, PO, US

On February 14, 2000, a Hughes 369HS (registration N717ST) was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, PO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An unknown mechanical malfunction that resulted in a precautionary landing at sea and the subsequent sinking of the helicopter by an ocean swell. 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 conducting its third flight of the day from a fishing vessel experienced a grinding cyclic control and loud bang at 100 feet. After a precautionary landing, an ocean swell overturned the helicopter, causing it to sink. The pilot and observer were rescued uninjured.

Incident Overview

A helicopter, on its third flight of the day, encountered a mechanical issue shortly after departing from a fishing vessel. At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the pilot reported a grinding sensation in the cyclic control followed by a loud bang. The pilot executed a precautionary landing.

Capsizing and Loss

After the helicopter had landed on the water, it was struck by an ocean swell. The impact caused the helicopter to roll over and subsequently sink. No further details on the condition of the aircraft were provided.

Rescue

The pilot and an observer were recovered from the water by the crew of the fishing vessel. Both individuals were reported to be uninjured.

Pilot Background

The pilot, who was foreign, did not hold a valid U.S. flight certificate. No other details regarding the pilot's qualifications or the helicopter's registration and type were disclosed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Feb 2000 Hughes 369HS accident near Pacific Ocean, PO?

A helicopter conducting its third flight of the day from a fishing vessel experienced a grinding cyclic control and loud bang at 100 feet. After a precautionary landing, an ocean swell overturned the helicopter, causing it to sink. The pilot and observer were rescued uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 2000 Hughes 369HS accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Feb 2000 involved a Hughes 369HS, registration N717ST, at Pacific Ocean, PO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unknown mechanical malfunction that resulted in a precautionary landing at sea and the subsequent sinking of the helicopter by an ocean swell.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20519. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.