MT ST HELENS, WA, USA
N9352F
HUGHES 269B
THE PILOT INTENDED TO PROCEED TO MT ST HELENS TO LAND NEAR SPIRIT LAKE. THE WINDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE DESIRED LANDING POINT WERE TOO STRONG FOR A SAFE LANDING. THEREFORE, AN ALTERNATE SPOT WAS SELECTED BELOW THE RIDGE LINE AND PRESUMABLY SHELTERED FROM THE WIND. LATE IN THE APPROACH HOVER, THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN A SUDDEN SIDE DRIFT WHICH COULD NOT BE ARRESTED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT A STRONG GUST OF WIND HAD BLOWN THE AIRCRAFT OUT OVER THE BACK SIDE OF THE RIDGE. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE HELICOPTER MOVED OUT OF GROUND EFFECT, IT BEGAN TO SETTLE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT. THE IMPACT FORCES WERE SUFFICIENT TO DAMAGE THE AIRCRAFT BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS ABOUT 6200 FT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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