# NTSB LAX00LA109: Hughes 500C, N437DS, Pohnpei (Pacific Ocean), February 18, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 18, 2000 - Place: Pohnpei (Pacific Ocean) - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 17, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 48726 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA109 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48726/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA109 ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - terrain condition - water ## Analysis The pilot reported that he and the observer were planning to conduct tuna spotting operations. This was to be the first flight of the day. After takeoff, about 100 to 150 feet above sea level, the helicopter began an uncommanded right turn, followed by an uncontrollable right spin. The helicopter spun several times then impacted the water. The two right landing gear legs collapsed and the helicopter rolled onto its right side and sank. The pilot and observer both exited without any difficulties and were rescued by the ship's crewmembers. The pilot reported that he hadn't noted any unusual noises or vibrations prior to the accident. The helicopter mechanic witnessed the accident from the ship's deck. He saw the helicopter takeoff and begin spinning to the right. He didn't note any unusual noises or see any components separate from the helicopter. ## Factual narrative On February 18, 2000, at 1108 hours local ship time, a Hughes 500C, N437DS, crashed into the Pacific Ocean about 200 miles southeast of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, after takeoff from a fishing vessel. The helicopter, operated by Heli Guam, Inc., Agana Heights, Guam, sank and is presumed destroyed. The commercial pilot suffered minor injuries and non-pilot rated observer was not injured. The local aerial observation flight, conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, was originating from the fishing vessel at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he and the observer were planning to conduct tuna spotting operations. This was to be the first flight of the day. After takeoff, about 100 to 150 feet above sea level, the helicopter began an uncommanded right turn, followed by an uncontrollable right spin. The helicopter spun several times then impacted the water. The two right landing gear legs collapsed and the helicopter rolled onto its right side and sank. The pilot and observer both exited without any difficulties and were rescued by the ship's crewmembers. The pilot reported that he hadn't noted any unusual noises or vibrations prior to the accident. The helicopter mechanic witnessed the accident from the ship's deck. He saw the helicopter takeoff and begin spinning to the right. He didn't note any unusual noises or see any components separate from the helicopter. This accident was reported to the Safety Board by the insurance representative on February 28, 2000. The operator was contacted by the Safety Board investigator several times, but failed to supply a Pilot/Operator Report. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the operator went out of business following the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N437DS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N437DS-2015-05-06), registration cancelled 2015-05-06, S/N 530476S, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Hughes 500C - Registry model: [Hughes 500C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-500c) (registry code 4470805) (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: 530476S - Airframe hours: 4300 - Engines: Allison 250-C20 317 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91 - Registered owner: Heli Guam Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 2, 2000, 453 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 8,774 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 166 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 5 knots ## 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 20000218010219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000218010219A), Feb 18, 2000: Pohnei, Guam, No damage. (-23) Helicopter departed fishing vessel at approx 1108 hrs LCL, 200 miles south east of Pohnei. At approx 100-150 ft, the helicopter experienced an… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.