Mcdonnell Douglas 369D accident near Medford, Oregon, July 22, 2002
On July 22, 2002 at about 6:50 pm local time, a Mcdonnell Douglas 369D (helicopter), registered N58295, was substantially damaged in an accident near Medford, Oregon. It was an aerial observation flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 2 people were seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
Power loss during cruise flight for undetermined reasons. Factors include mountainous terrain and trees.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- July 22, 2002 · about 6:50 pm local time
- Place
- Medford, Oregon · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 2 people were seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Mcdonnell Douglas 369D
- Registration
- N58295 · no longer on the register · serial 490494D
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial observation flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The helicopter was engaged in fire fighting operation (aerial observation) when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that the helicopter was in a cruise configuration 200 - 400 feet above ground level (AGL) when the engine lost power. The pilot initiated an autorotation and the helicopter descended into heavily wooded terrain. Two days after the accident, before the helicopter could be recovered, the on-going forest fire burned over the helicopter and destroyed the aircraft, engine and associated system components. Examination/teardown of the engine and associated components did not reveal any evidence of a pre-impact part failure or signs of abnormal wear.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 9,250 hours in all; 1,400 in this make and model; 80 in the last 90 days; 40 in the last 30 days; 9,250 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: March 27, 2002
- Medical certificate: Class 2
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 11,750 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, July 19, 2002; 10 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 3,000 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rolls-Royce 250 C-20B (turboshaft); 0 hours total
- Operator: T L Forest Products INC
The flight
- Departed from: Beagle Sky OR at 6:30 pm
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 90°F (32°C), dew point 0°F (-18°C)
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.