# NTSB ANC96TA092: Hughes 369D, N5125Q, Ketchikan, AK, June 26, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1996, 07:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Ketchikan, AK
- Coordinates: 55.610343, -131.580429 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=55.6103&lon=-131.5804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 2921
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC96TA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/2921/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96TA092

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing was a factor in the accident.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, standing - engine(s) operating
  - terrain condition - rock(s)/boulder(s)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot had landed in a remote area to transport three U.S. Forest Service employees into a national forest.  The employees departed the helicopter and began walking away.  While at full operating RPM, the helicopter rocked backwards and the tail rotor struck a rock.  The helicopter received damage to the tail rotor blades, gearbox, tail boom and drive shaft.

## Factual narrative

On June 26, 1996, about 0730 Alaska daylight time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N5125Q, received damage to the tail rotor and other components while preparing to depart a remote area about 30 miles northwest of Ketchikan, Alaska.  The helicopter was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country government flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred.  The helicopter, registered to Temsco Helicopters Inc., Ketchikan, Alaska, and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, sustained substantial damage.  The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  VFR company flight following procedures were in effect.  The flight originated at the Ketchikan International airport, about 0710.

A representative of Temsco Helicopters reported that the pilot had landed in the area of Magnetic Point, adjacent to Union Bay located on the Cleveland Peninsula in the Tongass National Forest.  The flight was conducted under contract with the U.S. Forest Service.  Three forest service employees departed the helicopter and began walking away.  While at full operating RPM, the helicopter rocked backwards and the tail rotor struck a rock.  The helicopter received damage to the tail rotor blades, gearbox, tail boom and drive shaft.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5125Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5125Q), registered now, S/N 1100D, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Hughes 369D
- Registry model: [Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-helicopters-hughes-369d) (registry code 4470706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1100D
- Airframe hours: 5498
- Engines: Allison 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: U.S. Forest Service
- Registered owner: Temsco Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 16, 1996, 20 hours before
- Departed: KTN, AK
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total, 2,810 as pilot in command, 84 in the last 90 days, 43 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 125° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 57 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19960626035979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960626035979A), Jun 26, 1996: Hughes 369D, Ketchikan, AK, Substantial damage. Unloaded passengers. Rocked back on skids beginning takeoff. Tail rotor struck a rock.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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