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HUGHES 269A accident at Titusville, FL, 9 Mar 2023
On March 9, 2023, a HUGHES 269A operated by A & J Aviation Services LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Titusville, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rotor blade strike of the tail boom. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rotor blade strike of the tail boom.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotSimulated malf/failureCapability exceededDescent rate — Not attained/maintained
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Mar 2023 HUGHES 269A accident near Titusville, FL?
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rotor blade strike of the tail boom.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 2023 HUGHES 269A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Mar 2023 involved a HUGHES 269A, operated by A & J Aviation Services LLC., at Titusville, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rotor blade strike of the tail boom.
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