Hughes 269A crash near Gettysburg, PA, United States

A Hughes 269A helicopter operated by a student pilot accompanied by a flight instructor lost control during takeoff from a hangar area at Gettysburg airport. The NTSB determined the cause was muddy ground conditions which prevented the skids from sliding normally during the takeoff run. Neither pilot was able to control the helicopter's forward motion as it struck a nearby hangar less than two seconds later, coming to rest on its right side. Both occupants were injured. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found. The aircraft, manufactured in 1966, was registered as experimental.