Probable cause
The non-helicopter rated pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot/owner, who is not rated in helicopters, reported that he departed the airport and flew the helicopter for 4 miles before landing in a parking lot in the city. During the landing flare the tail rotor blades impacted the ground and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box and tail boom.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA197 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 21, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 269C
- N-number
- N58397
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.