NTSB Identification: SEA88LA097.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 36314.
Accident occurred Tuesday, May 17, 1988 in CHEMULT, OR
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/07/1989
Aircraft: HUGHES 369E, registration: N5258C
Injuries: 1 Serious,3 Minor.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF WITH A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF 6,300 FEET. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OPERATED NEAR ITS MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATION. 150 FEET FROM THE INITIAL TAKEOFF THE HELICOPTER ROTOR STIRRED UP DUST AND DEBRIS FROM A ROAD, CAUSING THE PILOT TO LOSE VISUAL REFERENCE WITH THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK A TREE AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED TO ITS LEFT SIDE.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PERFORMANCE DATA..MISJUDGED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
VISUAL/AURAL DETECTION..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
VISUAL LOOKOUT..RESTRICTED
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..LOOSE OBJECTS
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE
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