Hughes 500C N437DS

Summary

On 18 February 2000 at about 11:08 local time, a Hughes 500C registered N437DS was involved in an accident near Pohnpei. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. No probable cause statement is available for this record.

Date

18 February 2000 at 11:08

Classification

Accident

Location

Pohnpei

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Hughes 500C

Registration

N437DS

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX00LA109

1 person had minor injuries.

The NTSB has not published a probable cause for this record. No probable cause statement is present in the source data.

Nothing about the cause is stated here that is not in the source record.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.