# NTSB LAX90LA303: Hughes 369D, N5012A, Santa Monica, CA, August 24, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 24, 1990, 07:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Santa Monica, CA
- Coordinates: 34.009399, -118.460632 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0094&lon=-118.4606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26907
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA303
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26907/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA303

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO EXIT THE HELICOPTER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND NO ONE AT THE CONTROLS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - intentional, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AT THE END OF A SLING LOAD OPERATION, THE PLT LANDED THE HELICOPTER ON THE ROOF OF A SHOPPING MALL PARKING STRUCTURE, THEN EXITED THE HELICOPTER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AT HIGH RPM TO RETRIEVE THE FRONT DOOR FROM THE BACK SEAT. AS HE STARTED TO INSTALL THE DOOR THE HELICOPTER PROCEEDED TO LIFT OFF AND THE PILOT RAN FROM THE HELICOPTER. IT RAISED ABOUT 10 FT THEN ROLLED OVER. A WITNESS STATED THE PLT TOLD HIM HIS SLEEVE HAD CAUGHT THE COLLECTIVE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5012A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5012A-1996-09-26), registration cancelled 1996-09-26, S/N 510980D (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)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 510980D
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Aris Helicopter Inc.
- Registered owner: Aris Helicopters Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LAX, LOS ANGELES, CA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,300 total, 50 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Observed at: SMO, 1 nm away

## 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 19900824036269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900824036269A), Aug 24, 1990: Hughes 369D, Santa Monica, CA, Substantial damage. After landing,got out to replace cabin door with engine at high power. Pilots sleeve raised cylic causing liftoff.

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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