On May 29, 2007, a Hughes 369D (registration N935M) was involved in an aviation accident near Torrance, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of helicopter control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a hard landing. The wind gusts were a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing 360-degree hovers lost control of the helicopter, resulting in a hard landing that split the skids and bent the tail boom. Wind gusts were reported at the time.
Incident Overview
A pilot was conducting practice maneuvers at an airport, intending to perform autorotations and hovering. The pilot began executing 360-degree hovers in the practice area. During one of these hovers, control of the helicopter was lost, leading to a hard landing.
Damage and Conditions
The hard landing caused the helicopter's skids to split and the tail boom to bend. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Wind gusts were reported at the time of the accident, which the pilot believed contributed to the loss of control.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he was practicing autorotations and hovering upon arrival at the airport practice area. The maneuvers included 360-degree hovers. The pilot attributed the loss of control to the wind gusts present during the incident.