Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 accident near Stevensville, MD
On April 26, 1998, a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Stevensville, MD. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- April 26, 1998
- Place
- Stevensville, MD
- Aircraft
- Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 38.989°N, 76.300°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001211X09878
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 26, 1998, at 1415 eastern daylight time, a Fairchild-Hiller FH-1100 helicopter, N1345Q, was destroyed during an in-flight breakup and collision with terrain while maneuvering near Stevensville, Maryland. The cockpit and cabin areas were consumed by post-crash fire. The certificated airline transport pilot and private pilot each received fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Easton, Maryland (ESN), approximately 1300. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the owner/operator of the helicopter, the two pilots departed ESN on a local flight to photograph area real estate. Development of film found at the accident site revealed several aerial photographs of waterfront property dated April 26, 1998. In statements provided to the Maryland State Police, several witnesses said the helicopter was maneuvering approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). They heard a loud "bang" and observed pieces separate from the aircraft. The witnesses said there was no fire until after ground contact. In a telephone interview, one witness stated she observed the helicopter from her home. She said the helicopter was maneuvering approximately 200 feet AGL when she heard a "pop". She said: "It was flying towards my house. I heard a big pop and then a huge boom, while it was still in the air. I saw things flying off of both sides the whole time. Then it fell straight down. I could hear the aircraft. It sounded a little different but the engine had no hesitation.
Probable cause
The pilot's abrupt, low-g maneuver, which resulted in mast bumping and separation of the main rotor system.
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Browse: Maryland
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
