Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point, and his decision not to perform a go-around.
NTSB analysis
The pilot attempted a practice 180-degree autorotation to a grass airstrip during a personal flight. The helicopter overshot the grass airstrip and touched down in an area of uncut grass that contained a tractor tire rut. During touchdown, the helicopter turned sharply to the left and then snap-rolled to the right when the landing gear skid contacted the tire rut. The helicopter sustained damage to the tail boom and rotor blades resulting in substantial damage. The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Baltimore, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Industry Air Park (38OH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369A
- N-number
- N298SD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.