# NTSB ATL83LA297: Hughes 269B, N9419F, Summerville, SC, July 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1983, 13:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Summerville, SC
- Coordinates: 33.049983, -80.19049 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0500&lon=-80.1905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6143
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA297
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6143/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA297

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
  - ignition system,spark plug - leaded (cause)
  - ignition system,spark plug - other (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED IN CONTROLLED BURNING OF TIMBERLAND. WHILE BEING OPERATED AT AN ALT OF APRX 20 FT OVER WIND ROWS OF ORGANIC MATERIAL, THERE WAS A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENG POWER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A HOVER, SO HE LANDED ON THE ROUGH TERRAIN. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER & THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND, DURING AN EXAM OF THE ENG, ALL 8 SPARK PLUGS WERE FOUND WITH EVIDENCE OF LEAD FOULING. IN THE #4 CYLINDER, THE ELECTRODES OF THE BOTTOM PLUG WAS COMPLETELY BRIDGED WITH LEAD. THE PLT STATED THAT THE TOP PLUG IN THAT CYLINDER WAS DIRTY WITH CARBON.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9419F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9419F-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 65-0206, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 65-0206
- Airframe hours: 2877
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: John N. Shelton
- Last inspection: Unknown, December 8, 1982, 23 hours before
- Departed: 61J, SUMMERVILLE, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 13,120 total, 990 in this make and model, 12,950 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830729039579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830729039579A), Jul 29, 1983: Hughes 269B, Summerville, SC, Substantial damage. Partial power loss 20 ft altitude. Landed on uneven found and rolled. Found lead fouled spark plugs.

## Other investigations on N9419F (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB MKC67A0080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67A0080), Jun 15, 1967: Hughes 269B (N9419F), Fairmont, MN, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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