Hughes 369D N58231

Summary

On 9 November 1995 at about 20:15 local time, a Hughes 369D registered N58231 was involved in an accident near Crystal, Michigan, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 November 1995 at 20:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Crystal, Michigan, United States

Coordinates

43.1697, -84.8401

Aircraft

Hughes 369D

Registration

N58231

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI96LA032

Nobody was injured.

fuel contamination resulting in the loss of engine power, and improper fuel sump screen installation on the nurse truck resulting in contamination of the fuel supply.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was approximately 50 feet above the ground lifting a load of trees when its engine lost power. The pilot attempted autorotation. The helicopter's right skid collapsed on impact with the terrain rolling the helicopter on its side. A witness observed 'black smoke around the ship' as the helicopter descended. Examination of the wreckage at the site revealed fuel to the fuel control, but no fuel in the line from the fuel control to the nozzle. There was approximately 150 pounds of jet fuel in the fuel tank. About ten drops of water were collected from the fuel sump screen. Examination of the nurse truck fuel supply at the site indicated that a filter at the pump was installed at an incorrect angle allowing water to collect in the sump. An examination of the engine at the factory revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.