Probable cause
The nonhelicopter-rated pilot’s operation of the helicopter and its subsequent collision with trees during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
NTSB analysis
The passenger reported that the airline transport pilot, who was not helicopter-rated, took off in the helicopter with the intention of conducting a cross-country flight. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power, and the helicopter then descended into trees. The helicopter was subsequently moved back to the owner's repair station, and the wreckage was later discovered during routine surveillance of the station by the Federal Aviation Administration; the engine was not examined. The pilot did not report the accident and stated that there was no intent for flight when the helicopter was damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA537 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hudson, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes TH 55A
- N-number
- N5335U
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.