# NTSB ATL85LA053: Hughes 269C, N7401F, Albermarle, NC, December 13, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 13, 1984, 11:17 local (16:17 UTC)
- Place: Albermarle, NC
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6721
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6721/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA053

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command
  - object - wire,static
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

PLT SAW UNFAMILIAR MOUNTAIN RANGE AND DECIDED TO LAND IN A RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SITE TO FIND OUT HIS EXACT LOCATION. PLT FAILED TO SEE ELECTRICAL WIRES DURING THE DESCENT UNTIL TOO LATE. PLT LOST CONTROL OF ACFT IN LAST MINUTE ATTEMPT TO AVOID WIRES. ACFT CONTACTED WIRES AND CRASHED INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7401F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7401F-1992-03-20), registration cancelled 1992-03-20, S/N 350406 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 35046
- Airframe hours: 2513
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: H. G. Reynolds Co., Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 27, 1984, 78 hours before
- Departed: ROCKHILL, NC
- Destination: TROY, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,412 total, 1,412 in this make and model, 1,412 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19841213066269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841213066269A), Dec 13, 1984: Hughes 269C, Albermarle, NC, Substantial damage. Struck a electric wire while approaching a landing area. Was landing to find out exact location.

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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