Probable cause
The pilot's excessive descent angle during landing approach, which resulted in a settling with power condition.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was making a high approach in the helicopter due to other aircraft traffic. About 50 feet above the ground he experienced a settling with power event. He could not arrest the descent and the helicopter impacted the ground, bounced, and became airborne again. The helicopter was spinning due to the separation of the tail boom and tail rotor. The helicopter then struck a hangar and impacted the ground a second time. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA469 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 7, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeview, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Lakeview Airport - Griffith Fi (13C)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269B
- N-number
- N11XC
- 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.