On September 28, 2003, a Hughes 269C (registration N9620F) was involved in an aviation accident near Gail, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the cause of the accident could not be determined due to insufficient evidence regarding the initial loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a loss of control during takeoff while positioned on a transport trailer, resulting in rotor blades striking the ground and the aircraft coming to rest adjacent to the vehicle.
What happened
The incident occurred prior to the planned departure of a helicopter. The aircraft was secured on a transport trailer, oriented in an aft-facing direction. The pilot had completed a preflight inspection of the helicopter before attempting to lift off.
During the initial phase of takeoff, the pilot reported that the helicopter "felt like it was hung on something." This sensation indicated an immediate obstruction or resistance to normal ascent. Shortly thereafter, the main rotor blades made contact with the terrain. The helicopter subsequently came to rest in close proximity to the transport trailer from which it had attempted to launch.
The investigation was unable to determine the specific mechanical or procedural reason for this loss of control during the critical takeoff phase.
Probable cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the cause of the accident could not be determined due to insufficient evidence regarding the initial loss of control.