# NTSB investigations: Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D, WA NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. ## Latest cases - [NTSB WPR21LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA084.md): Hughes 369D · Winthrop, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 9, 2021 · N8612F · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment which resulted in a collision with a snowbank and subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB WPR19LA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA249.md): Hughes 369 · Asotin, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 2019 · N54528 · Substantial damage > A loss of control for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB WPR18FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA074.md): Hughes 369D · Pomeroy, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 2018 · N369TH · Substantial damage > A loss of control following the gunner's failure to ensure that the net maintained clearance from the tail rotor. - [NTSB WPR16LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA032.md): Hughes 369D · Carlisle, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 2015 · N50713 · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the improper calibration of the fuel quantity gauge. - [NTSB WPR16LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA021.md): MD Helicopter 369D · Sedro-Woolley, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2015 · N510PA · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of naphthenate fuel contamination, which blocked the fuel flow through the start pump. - [NTSB WPR14LA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA308.md): Mdhi 369D · Oso, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2014 · N5225C · Substantial damage > The pilot/mechanic’s failure to properly perform required inspections of the main rotor blades at the necessary intervals, which resulted in an in-flight separation of a main rotor blade due to disbonding and fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was… - [NTSB LAX07LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA270.md): Hughes 369D · Ellensburg, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2007 · N31HM · No damage > The passenger's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from the rotating main rotor disc while the helicopter was hovering. An uphill terrain condition was a factor - [NTSB SEA07TA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07TA212.md): Hughes 369D · Omak, WA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 22, 2007 · N69PF · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the surface of a pond that he was using as a water bucket refill site, which resulted in a tail rotor strike to the water's surface and a torsional overload failure of the tail rotor drive shaft. - [NTSB SEA03LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA058.md): Hughes 369D · Taholah, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2003 · N5225C · Substantial damage > The entanglement of the fuel quantity sender float in the start pump wiring within the fuel tank as a result of the wiring not being properly secured. This rendered the fuel gauge inaccurate and the low fuel warning light inoperative which led to fuel… - [NTSB SEA02TA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02TA067.md): Hughes 369D · Richland, WA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Apr 11, 2002 · N8353F · Substantial damage > Failure of the netting material securing a net weight while maneuvering. The net weight was a factor. - [NTSB SEA01TA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01TA143.md): Boeing Helicopters Div. H500D · Union Gap, WA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 24, 2001 · N8964T · Substantial damage > The complete loss of engine power at cruise for undetermined reasons. Factors include a landing area that was restricted/confined due to adjacent trees, and an intentional abrupt flare resulting in a hard landing. - [NTSB SEA99LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA092.md): Hughes 369D · Shelton, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 1999 · N1089Y · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during an autorotation. - [NTSB SEA99LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA082.md): Hughes 369D · Southbend, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1999 · N8306F · Substantial damage > The complete loss of power, due to a failure of the compressor impeller disk. Factors include the low altitude of the helicopter at the time of the power loss, and the need to autorotate in a confined area. - [NTSB SEA99FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99FA018.md): Hughes 369D · Taholah, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 1998 · N1096L · Substantial damage > Turbine wheel failure as the result of a low-cycle fatigue crack that initiated in a beyond-limits grinding gouge. Factors include improper maintenance by unknown parties and tree stumps that prohibited a successful emergency landing. - [NTSB SEA98LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA160.md): McDonnell Douglas 369D · Oso, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1998 · N1096L · Substantial damage > The separation of the 90 degree gearbox and tail rotor assembly for undetermined reasons followed by the inability of the pilot-in-command to maintain control of the rotorcraft. - [NTSB SEA98LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA128.md): Hughes 369D · Raymond, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 1998 · N5063G · No damage > The use of the improper long-line cable by the ground crew, and its subsequent separation from the helicopter. - [NTSB SEA97LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA118.md): Hughes 369D · Moclips, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1997 · N8306F · Substantial damage > Inadequate installation of the fuel control by company maintenance personnel and a loose nut on a line. A disconnected Pc line was a factor. - [NTSB SEA97LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA032.md): Hughes 369D · Forks, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1996 · N5225C · Substantial damage > fuel contamination, which resulted in loss of engine power. Factors relating to the accident included: improper servicing of the helicopter, and a lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing due to the proximity of trees. - [NTSB SEA94LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA094.md): Hughes 369D · Rimrock, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 1994 · N5211R · Substantial damage > Fuel exhaustion, the pilot in command's failure to refuel the aircraft, and the inability to successfully execute an auto- rotation landing because of the low altitude. - [NTSB SEA90LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA135.md): Hughes 369D · Toutle, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1990 · N58239 · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper planning/decision by operating and maneuvering the heliocpter in a regime where he could not maintain rotor RPM. The high density altitude and rough terrain were related factors. - [NTSB SEA90LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA081.md): Hughes 369D · Kelso, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1990 · N8306F · No damage > Failure of the pilot to keep the external load clear of obstacles (trees). Factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot and ground crewman to follow safety procedures, and the proximity of the trees. - [NTSB SEA90LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA010.md): Hughes 369D · Neah Bay, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 1989 · N9163F · Substantial damage > Fatigue failure of all four attachment studs of the tailrotor gearbox resulting in separation of the gear box, and inadequate maintenance inspection. - [NTSB SEA90FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA005.md): Hughes 369D · Bothell, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 1989 · N8613F · Destroyed > The pilot failed to determine weather conditions before the flight, his attempt to fly VFR in IMC, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance altitude. Factors in the accident were the low ceiling, rain and fog weather conditions. - [NTSB SEA87FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87FA194.md): Hughes 369D · Seattle, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1987 · N8613F · Substantial damage > The plt rprtd that while he was in cruise flight at about 1000', the eng lost power. He initiated an autorotation to an athletic field in a city park. Drg his apch, he changed his planned touchdown point svrl times due to personnel on the field. He said that… - [NTSB SEA87LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA074.md): Hughes 369D · Forks, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 1987 · N8356F · Destroyed > During external load operation the aircraft's engine ceased operating. The helicopter was too close to the ground for recovery. The helicopter descended, struck the ground hard and then rolled over onto its right side. Water in the fuel was discovered after… - [NTSB SEA87LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA025.md): Hughes 369D · Winlock, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1986 · N1089D · Substantial damage > The plt was loading xmas trees from a farm to a truck. He had just released a load and was en route back to the pickup area when the empty long-line sling contacted treetops. The sling rebounded into the tail rotor & damaged the gear box which resulted in… - [NTSB SEA87LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA007.md): Hughes 500-D · Seattle, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1986 · N58239 · Substantial damage > During a practice autorotation a loss of power occurred. The pilot attempted engine recovery but was unable to resulting in a hard landing in which the main rotor blade flexed, severing the tail boom. The throttle linkage on the pilots side was found to have… - [NTSB SEA85FA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA104.md): Hughes 369D · Spokane, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 1985 · N8365F · Destroyed > The helicopter was on a flt to a tv station to transport a tv camera man & his gear. The regular plt for this trip was unable to fly, so another was retained for the flt. This was his 1st flt to the station. Helicopter operations at the tv station were… - [NTSB SEA85LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA053.md): Hughes 369D · Taholah, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 1985 · N8306F · Destroyed > The acft had lifted off during an external load operation when the plt felt a 'vibration/shudder'. The right skid contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled over during an attempt to maneuver the helicopter away from ground personnel. Inspection revealed… - [NTSB SEA85LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA017.md): Hughes 369D · Humptulips, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 1984 · N1096L · Destroyed > When the hoisting cable on the helicopter failed, the hook end rebounded into the rotor system. The rotor system failed from the structural damage imposed and the acft went into an uncontroled descent impacting the ground on the left skid. - [NTSB SEA84LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA083.md): Hughes 369D · Kent, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 1984 · N1092L · Substantial damage > The plt requested clearance to transit the seattle tca for a landing at Boeing field. He was advised of a DC-10 departing the seattle-tacoma intl arpt & was cautioned about possible wake turbulence. The DC-10 passed the helicopter with about 1 1/2 mi lateral… - [NTSB SEA83LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA205.md): Hughes 369B · Cougar, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1983 · N10966 · Destroyed > The aircraft collided with trees and terrain during a forced landing attempt following an in-flight power loss. Subsequent engine teardown revealed failure of several components. - [NTSB SEA82DA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82DA137.md): Hughes 369D · Shelton, WA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 7, 1982 · N10966 · Substantial damage > During a sight seeing flight the pilot smelled a burning odor and prepared to make a precautionary off-airport landing. Shortly thereafter, engine RPM decayed and an autorotative landing was effected on a dirt road. On touchdown, the main rotor blades flexed… - [NTSB SEA81DYP37](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA81DYP37.md): Hughes 369D · Leavenworth, WA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Aug 26, 1981 · N58306 · Substantial damage - [NTSB SEA79FYP17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA79FYP17.md): Hughes 369D · Spokane, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · May 9, 1979 · N8601F · Substantial damage - [NTSB SEA78DYP03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78DYP03.md): Hughes 369D · Spokane, WA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Oct 12, 1977 · N8601F · Substantial damage ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'WA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('4470706')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=4470706&state=WA --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.