Hughes 269C N1093Y

Summary

On 11 April 1989 at about 16:00 local time, a Hughes 269C registered N1093Y, operated by Michael Lerro, was involved in an accident near Rosehayn, New Jersey, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 April 1989 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Rosehayn, New Jersey, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Hughes 269C

Registration

N1093Y

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Michael Lerro

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Horsham → Atlantic City

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC89LA114

1 person was seriously injured.

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING LANDING. THIS RESULTED IN AN UNCONTROLLED TOUCHDOWN AND ROLLOVER OF THE HELICOPTER.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE FLYING AT 1,000 FT THE HELICOPTER DEVELOPED A LOW POWER SITUATION AND BEGAN LOSING ALTITUDE. AN INSPECTION AND ENGINE RUN UP BY THE FAA FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY ENGINE DISCREPANCIES. COINCIDENTLY, THE PLT HAD BEEN A STUDENT AT THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHERE THE FORCED LANDING WAS MADE. THE RIGHT SKID DUG INTO THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER DURING THE LANDING. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER AT TREE TOP LEVEL WITH A LOW FORWARD SPEED. THEY AGAIN OBSERVED IT AT AN ALT OF 3 FT AGL WHEN IT MADE A 'VIOLENT 45 DEGREE ROLL TO THE RIGHT' DURING WHICH THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.