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Helicopter Sustains Substantial Damage During Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N500NC)

Comfrey, MN, US

On July 5, 2007, a Hughes 369D (registration N500NC) operated by Teryjon Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Comfrey, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to the loose pressure line during aerial application maneuvers which resulted in a hard forced landing. 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 experienced a loss of engine power during an aerial application spray run, leading to a forced landing that resulted in substantial damage. An examination found a loose fuel control pressure line.

Accident Details

A helicopter performing an aerial application spray run suffered a loss of engine power, necessitating a forced landing. The impact with terrain caused substantial damage to the aircraft.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he was able to land with the skids square to the ground, but the helicopter bounced upon touchdown. The landing gear spread, making contact with the spray tanks and snapping the uprights above the tanks. Subsequently, a forward leg dug into the ground, causing the helicopter to pitch forward. One of the rotor blades struck the ground, and the rotor system then severed the boom fairing and tail section.

Examination Findings

During a post-accident examination of the wreckage, the pressure line connecting to the Pg boss on the fuel control unit was found to be only finger tight.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 2007 Hughes 369D accident near Comfrey, MN?

A helicopter experienced a loss of engine power during an aerial application spray run, leading to a forced landing that resulted in substantial damage. An examination found a loose fuel control pressure line.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 2007 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N500NC, operated by Teryjon Aviation Inc., at Comfrey, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power due to the loose pressure line during aerial application maneuvers which resulted in a hard forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070711X00910. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.