Probable cause
A sudden vibration for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
During cruise flight in a reciprocating single-engine helicopter, the pilot heard a loud noise and felt a vibration. The pilot immediately entered an autorotation and turned the flight controls over to the flight instructor. The flight instructor elected to continue the autorotation to an open field. During the landing the helicopter's landing skids stuck into the soft terrain, causing the helicopter's nose to pitch down and tail to pitch up. The main rotor blades impacted the tail boom, severing it; the helicopter subsequently rolled onto its side. An examination of the helicopter failed to find a reason for the noise and vibration.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA558 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arapahoe, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269C
- N-number
- N58163
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.