NTSB Report Hughes 369D Helicopter Crash in Utah

July 19, 2008

NTSB Report Hughes 369D Helicopter Crash in Utah

NTSB Report # LAX08FA233
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Price, UT
Aircraft: Hughes 369D, registration: N400BE
Injuries: 3 Fatal. 

On July 19, 2008, about 1542 mountain daylight time, a Hughes 369D, N400BE, impacted terrain near Carbon County Airport, Price, Utah. BBP Air, LLC was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot and two passengers were killed; the helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. The cross-country personal flight departed Carbon County Airport (PUC), about 1539, with a planned destination of Spanish Fork, Utah. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the pilot and passengers were departing from PUC following a fishing trip in the area. Based on fueling records at Price, and witness statements, it is estimated that the helicopter contained about 35 gallons of Jet-A fuel on takeoff.

A witness observed the helicopter take off toward the south and turn to the west. The helicopter was last seen descending slightly as it left the airport boundary. No identified witnesses observed the impact sequence. However, witnesses reported seeing a fireball shortly after the helicopter’s departure.

The exact weight of the helicopter at the time of the accident could not be determined. However, based on pilot records, fueling records, and helicopter weight and balance records, the weight of the helicopter was determined to be about 2,800 pounds. The helicopter’s certified gross weight is 3,000 pounds.

The closest official weather observation station was PUC, which was .7 nautical miles (nm) east of the accident site. The elevation of the weather observation station was 5,957 feet mean sea level (msl). An automated observation report for PUC was issued at 1553 MDT. It stated: winds variable degrees at 4 knots; visibility 10 miles; skies clear; temperature 34/93 degrees Celsius/Fahrenheit; dew point 1/34 degrees Celsius/Fahrenheit; altimeter 30.05 inches of mercury. Based on this information, the density altitude was computed to be 9,330 feet msl. Note: This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

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July 15, 2008

NTSB Report Hughes 269B Helicopter Crash Arkansas

NTSB Report # DEN08FA122
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in Salesville, AR
Aircraft: Hughes 269B, registration: N469E
Injuries: 2 Fatal. 

On July 15, 2008, about 0927 Central Daylight Time (CDT), a Hughes 269B helicopter, N469E collided with a power line while conducting a power line patrol. The commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated near Willow Springs, Missouri at an undetermined time.

Examination of the accident site revealed a single broken strand of high power tension wire above the helicopter wreckage. The broken wire was one of three high power wires and two grounding wires which ran north-south and crossed perpendicular and above the power line being surveyed.

Examination of the helicopter wreckage revealed evidence of an in-flight collision with a high power wire. Portions of the helicopter were found in a debris field approximately 250 feet long by 50 feet wide on a 280 degree magnetic heading, beginning approximately 60 feet east of the broken power line wire. The main portion of the helicopter (cockpit and fuselage) was located approximately 180 feet west of the broken wire and was consumed by fire. The rotor hub, mast, and the tail-boom section were separated from the wreckage and lying near the fuselage, but undamaged from the post-crash fire. One main rotor blade was bent at mid-span and showed “chatter mark” impact signatures consistent with a wire strike. The blade end was separated from the blade and the internal surfaces of the blade showed charring. NOTE: This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

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