# NTSB FTW96LA274: Hughes 369HE, N521TC, Las Cruces, NM, June 24, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1996, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Las Cruces, NM
- Coordinates: 32.28004, -106.749359 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2800&lon=-106.7494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 24, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19882
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA274
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19882/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA274

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the tail rotor and a fence while hovering.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover - in ground effect
  - object - fence
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, hover - in ground effect
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

During a landing hover (IGE), the tail rotor struck the top of a chain link fence and the tail rotor and gearbox separated from the aircraft.  Subsequently, during the spinning of the helicopter, the pilot lowered the collective, the left skid struck the ramp, and the helicopter came to a stop on its left side.

## Factual narrative

On June 24, 1996, at 0900 mountain daylight time, a Hughes 369HE, N521TC, struck a fence while hovering at the Las Cruces International Airport, Las Cruces, New Mexico.  The helicopter was registered to Hex Corporation of Wilmington, Delaware, and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed for the personal cross country flight.  The commercial pilot and the 3 passengers were not injured and the helicopter sustained substantial damage.  The flight departed Globe, Arizona, 2 hours before the accident.

During personal telephone interviews, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, with the pilot, local authorities, the airport manager, and the FAA inspector, the following information was revealed.  The helicopter approached the ramp parking area from a taxiway parallel to the ramp.  During the landing, after the left skid had contacted the ramp, the pilot brought the helicopter to a hover.  While hovering (IGE), the tailrotor struck the top of a chain link fence and the tailrotor and gearbox separated from the aircraft resulting in a loss of control.  Subsequently, during the spinning of the helicopter, the pilot lowered the collective, the left skid struck the ramp, and the helicopter came to a stop on its left side.  Damage was reported to the tailrotor, tailboom, gearbox, skids, and main rotor blades.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N521TC](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N521TC), registered now, S/N 1090201E, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Hughes 369HE
- Registry model: [Hughes 369HE](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-369he) (registry code 4470720) (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: 1090201E
- Airframe hours: 5822
- Engines: Allison 250C-18B 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Werner Hagel
- Registered owner: Hex Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 10, 1996, 21 hours before
- Departed: P13, GLOBE, AZ
- Destination: LRU
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: LRU, Las Cruces International

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 240 total, 120 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LRU

## 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 19960624015059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960624015059A), Jun 24, 1996: Hughes 369HE, Las Cruces, NM, Substantial damage. During hover on landing. Tail rotor struck chain link fence. Separated. Chopper spun. Landed, one skid rolled over. (-23) on June 24, 1996 at 0600 helicopter…

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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