Hughes 369E accident near Jensen, UT
On November 21, 2006, a Hughes 369E (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Jensen, UT. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- November 21, 2006
- Place
- Jensen, UT
- Aircraft
- Hughes 369E · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 40.361°N, 109.336°W
- NTSB ID
- 20061122X01705
NTSB summary
On November 21, 2006, approximately 1250 mountain standard time, a Hughes 369E helicopter, N500FU, sustained substantial damage following a collision with transmission wires and subsequent impact with terrain while maneuvering near Jensen, Utah. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Pete Martin Drilling of Vernal, Utah. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries, while his sole passenger received fatal injuries. The search and rescue flight was being conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, and a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed. The helicopter departed the Vernal Airport, Vernal, Utah, at 1230. In a written statement provided by the pilot and in a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that he departed the Vernal Airport for the Jensen Bridge (the section of Highway 40 which crosses the Green River) on a search and rescue mission for a missing woman; the pilot occupied the left front seat and a local deputy sheriff occupied the right front seat. The pilot stated that after reaching the search area the deputy instructed him to begin the search mode by making left hand circular patterns. The pilot further stated, "I began to descend and slow the aircraft down at this particular time. I made approximately two 360-degree orbits to the left, when suddenly multiple strands of power lines came in contact with the aircraft. The next thing I can recall after making contact with the lines, I was trapped in the water surrounded by power lines and aircraft wreckage." The pilot stated that he never s
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the transmission wires due to an inadquate visual lookout while maneuvering during a search and rescue flight.
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Browse: Utah · Hughes aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
