# NTSB Accident LAX97LA218
> **Hughes 369HS** · 1997-06-20 · PACIFIC OCEAN, PO · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97LA218
- **Event ID:** 20001208X08177
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-06-20
- **Location:** PACIFIC OCEAN, PO
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Hughes
- **Model:** 369HS
- **Registration:** N4250N
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The unapproved field modification of the cyclic trim switch, including the use of non-standard parts, which resulted in a hard-over lateral trim failure, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a landing approach.  A factor in the accident was the operator's failure to comply with a factory service bulletin, which required replacement of the switch with a new version, and the pilot's continued operation with a known discrepancy.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97LA218) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*