# NTSB Accident LAX97LA176
> **Hughes 369D** · 1997-05-11 · PUAKO, HI, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97LA176
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07947
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-05-11
- **Location:** PUAKO, HI, USA
- **Coordinates:** 19.929344, -155.789306
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 2
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 4
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Hughes
- **Model:** 369D
- **Registration:** N5105N
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

erosion of second stage stator vanes, inadequate maintenance inspection for the erosion, and subsequent fatigue failure of a stator vane, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing on mountainous/hilly terrain.  Also causal was: the pilot's loading of the aircraft in such a manner that exceeded the forward CG limit, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to properly flare the helicopter during a forced autorotation and landing. The rising terrain and tailwind condition for landing were related factors.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97LA176) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*