Casualties unknown

Helicopter Accident During Landing Approach with Student Pilot and Instructor (N1015T)

Birmingham, AL, US

On November 7, 2003, a Hughes 269A (registration N1015T) operated by Liberty Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The certified flight instructor's inadequate aircraft control and his improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing and roll over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter with a student pilot and flight instructor crashed during landing approach after the instructor took over controls and found no throttle response.

Incident Overview

A helicopter occupied by a student pilot and a certified flight instructor was making an approach for landing. During the approach, the flight instructor observed that the ground was getting closer and that the manifold pressure indicated 25 inches of mercury.

Instructor Intervention

The flight instructor took over the flight controls and increased the throttle. However, there appeared to be no response from the engine. The instructor then stated that he leveled the helicopter before it collided with the ground in a level attitude. Following the initial impact, the helicopter rolled over onto its left side.

Examination of the Crash Site

An examination of the crash site revealed that the helicopter had collided with the ground with the left skid low at a 45-degree angle relative to the flight path. The left skid collapsed, and the cross tube support brackets were broken. The right skid remained intact.

No Other Details

No additional information regarding the helicopter's type, registration, engine count, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, air traffic control involvement, or occupant injuries or fatalities was provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031112X01881. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.