Hughes TH-55 N7053X

Summary

On 9 July 2001 at about 17:11 local time, a Hughes TH-55 registered N7053X was involved in an accident near Midway, Georgia, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 July 2001 at 17:11

Classification

Accident

Location

Midway, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Liberty County (2J2)

Coordinates

31.8004, -81.4201

Aircraft

Hughes TH-55

Registration

N7053X

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Public Use

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hinesville → Hinesville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL01TA081

Nobody was injured.

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factoe was the lack of suitable terrain upon which an emergency landing could be made, which resulted in a rollover upon touchdown in a marshy area.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter lost engine power while spraying insecticide 300 feet above the ground. The pilot was unable to restore power and initiated an emergency descent and autorotative flare. At touchdown, the helicopter leaned to the right in a marshy area and rolled onto its side. The main rotor blades struck the ground. The pilot stated the helicopter had been refueled prior to the flight. Examination of the wreckage revealed the airframe and main rotor blades were bent. The helicopter sustained saltwater submersion damage. There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.