Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to land on a transport trailer in heavy rain and gusting winds.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter and a Food and Drug Administration employee had been herding cattle when it began to mist and they decided to return to the landing zone. Heavy rain began to fall and the wind began gusting as they attempted to land on a transport trailer. One or both of the helicopter skids hooked under the trailer and the helicopter rolled over. The main rotors were destroyed and the tail boom was severed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA202 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 11, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Indio, Texas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269C
- N-number
- N64731
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.