# NTSB LAX91LA224: Hughes 269A, N7033H, Palm Springs, CA, May 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1991, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Palm Springs, CA
- Location: 33.8297° N, 116.5067° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PALM SPRINGS INTL (PSP), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8297&lon=-116.5067&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27215
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA224
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27215/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA224

## Probable cause

LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE BY THE UNQUALIFIED PERSON AT THE CONTROLS; IMPROPER USE OF ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, unqualified person (cause)
  - lack of total experience, unqualified person (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - fence (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

IN HIS WRITTEN STATEMENT, THE PILOT SAID THAT HE WAS HOVERING THE HELICOPTER, BUT DUE TO THE WIND, HE LOST CONTROL. THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE REPORTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS REGIONAL AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER TO BE FROM 340 DEGREES AT 10 MILES PER HOUR.  THE AIRCRAFT'S MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK A FENCE; ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT; AND ROLLED OVER WHEN IT CONTACTED THE GROUND.  IN HIS WRITTEN STATEMENT, THE PILOT SAID, 'I CAN NOT FURNISH A COPY OF A CURRENT PILOT OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE, SINCE I HAVE NONE.'  A REVIEW OF FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION RECORDS REVEALED NO RECORD OF A PILOT CERTIFICATE OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE EVER BEING ISSUED TO THE PILOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7033H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7033H-1999-01-27), registration cancelled 1999-01-27, S/N 860644 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 86-0644
- Engines: LYCOMING H10-360-B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James D. Lee
- Registered owner: James D. Lee
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: CNO, CHINO, CA
- Airport: PSP, Palm Springs Regional, runway 3, 8,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; medical: unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: PSP, 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 19910526017459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910526017459A), May 26, 1991: Hughes 269A, Palm Springs, CA, Destroyed. Unlicensed pilot with passenger lifted to hover. Gust of wind caused rotors to hit a fence. Landed. Rolled over.

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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