Hughes 269C N381MC

Summary

On 8 November 2007 at about 20:45 local time, a Hughes 269C registered N381MC, operated by Baker Aircraft, was involved in an accident near Baker City, Oregon, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 November 2007 at 20:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Baker City, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

44.8592, -117.8064

Aircraft

Hughes 269C

Registration

N381MC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Baker Aircraft

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Baker City Muni → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA08FA022

1 person died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor rpm while maneuvering.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to witnesses, after departing the airport, the helicopter turned to the north, climbed to an altitude that was reported to be as low as 100 above ground level (agl) and as high as 800 feet agl. As it approached the accident site location, the helicopter's tail reportedly lowered, it slowed, rotated or turned slightly to the east, and then descended rapidly toward the terrain. Witnesses reported that near the beginning of the descent, the main rotor blades either slowed their rotation significantly or "stopped turning." One witness stated that almost immediately after observing the change in rotation speed of the main rotor blades, "…the helicopter just dropped out of the sky." Examination of the wreckage disclosed evidence of coning of the main rotor blades. No evidence was found of any flight control malfunction or loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.