# NTSB Accident LAX97LA150
> **Duff MINI-500** · 1997-04-17 · LIHUE, KAUAI, HI, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97LA150
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07748
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-04-17
- **Location:** LIHUE, KAUAI, HI, USA
- **Coordinates:** 22.140087, -159.310455
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Duff
- **Model:** MINI-500
- **Registration:** N13118
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the student pilot's improper use of the helicopter flight controls, which resulted in rotor contact with the tail boom and loss of control.  Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's lack of total and recent training and experience in airborne control of helicopters.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97LA150) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*