# NTSB CHI94LA279: Hughes TH-55A, N20SD, Houghton, MI, August 14, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 14, 1994, 00:00 local (04:00 UTC)
- Place: Houghton, MI
- Coordinates: 44.309841, -84.760055 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3098&lon=-84.7601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9638
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA279
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9638/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA279

## Probable cause

failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, landing
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

A HELICOPTER LAYING ON ITS SIDE WAS FOUND BY THE MANAGER OF THE HOUGHTON LAKE STATE AIRPORT WHEN HE OPENED FOR BUSINESS.  THE OWNER OF THE HELICOPTER REPORTED THE HELICOPTER WAS STOLEN DURING THE NIGHT.  SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE POLICE ARRESTED A FEMALE WHO ADMITTED SHE STOLE THE HELICOPTER TO HELP HER BOYFRIEND ESCAPE FROM PRISON.  SHE HAD A STUDENT HELICOPTER CERTIFICATE AND ABOUT 10 HOURS INSTRUCTION.  SHE SAID THE HELICOPTER CRASHED AND ROLLED OVER WHILE SHE WAS TRYING TO LAND IN HIGH WINDS.

## Factual narrative

On August 14, 1994, at a time unknown, a Hughes TH-55A, N20SD, owned by Milligan & Langham Timber, Co., Lansing, Michigan, was substantially damaged at the Houghton Lake State Airport, Houghton Lake, Michigan.  The helicopter was stolen from a locked hangar at the Abrams Municipal Airport, Grand Ledge, Michigan, earlier that morning.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area.

The helicopter was found by the airport manager when he opened the airport at 0700.  The helicopter contained contraband including an assault rifle, smoke bombs, and a gas grenade.

On September 2, 1994, a woman was arrested by the Clinton County Sheriff's Department, St. Johns, Michigan.  She admitted to stealing the helicopter to help her boyfriend escape from prison.  She stated she crashed the helicopter trying to land in strong winds.  The pilot held a private pilot certificate which she obtained on July 9, 1994.  She held a student helicopter certificate and had accrued about 10 hours instructional time in helicopters when the mishap occurred.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N20SD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20SD-2018-02-27), registration cancelled 2018-02-27, S/N 66-0593, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES TH-55A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 66-05937
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Jesse Jane Stafford
- Registered owner: Milligan & Langham Timber Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 4D0, GRAND LEDGE, MI
- Destination: UNKNOWN
- Airport: 5Y2, Houghton Lake State Airpo

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; student, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 75 total, 10 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Wind: 320° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19940814021319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940814021319A), Aug 14, 1994: Hughes TH55A, Houghton Lake, MI, Substantial damage. Stolen helicopter found crashed. Pilot left scene. Suspect in custody local police.

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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