# NTSB ATL85LA287: Hughes 269A, N9308F, Winchester, KY, September 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 28, 1985, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Winchester, KY
- Coordinates: 37.989162, -84.179924 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9892&lon=-84.1799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6879
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA287
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6879/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA287

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - ground (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AS THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FOR HOVER TRAINING. AS THE PILOT WAS APPLYING COLLECTIVE TORQUE, THE STUDENT SAID, HE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. THERE WERE NO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9308F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9308F-2013-08-01), registration cancelled 2013-08-01, S/N 123-0010, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 123-0010
- Airframe hours: 1598
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C20 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Energy Develop. & Energy Crop
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 30, 1985, 40 hours before
- Departed: WINCHESTER, KY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 20 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LEX, 15 nm away

## 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 19850928048849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850928048849A), Sep 28, 1985: Hughes 269B, Winchester, KY, Destroyed. Solo student lost control during initial climb to practice hover. Improper control input.

## Other investigations on N9308F (3)

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 CHI71FDJ09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI71FDJ09), Aug 5, 1970: Hughes 269B (N9308F), Green Bay, WI, destroyed
- [NTSB LAX65A0064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX65A0064), Feb 8, 1965: Hughes 300 (N9308F), Las Vegas, NV, substantial damage
- [NTSB UNK64X3324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X3324), Aug 10, 1964: Hughes 269B (N9308F), Las Vegas, NV, 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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