# NTSB ATL86LA044: Hughes 269B, N9303F, Stone Mountain, GA, December 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 18, 1985, 08:15 local (13:15 UTC)
- Place: Stone Mountain, GA
- Location: 33.8042° N, 84.1714° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Stone Mountain, GA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8042&lon=-84.1714&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7046
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7046/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA044

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, standing - engine(s) operating
  - refueling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING GROUND REFUELING OF THE AIRCRAFT THE FUEL TANK WAS OVER- FILLED AND THE FUEL SPILLED OVER ONTO THE RAMP. THE FUEL WAS IGNITED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9303F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9303F-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 113-0005, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- 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: 005
- Engines: LYCOMING HO-360D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bill Pirschel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 17, 1985
- Airport: 40A, Britt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; airline transport; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,040 total, 325 in this make and model, 2,040 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19851218065119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851218065119A), Dec 18, 1985: Hughes 269B, Stone Mountain, GA, Destroyed. While using improper refueling procedure with engine running a fuel spill ignited. Fire extinguishers inadequate.

## Other investigations on N9303F (2)

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 ATL80DLA13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL80DLA13), Sep 3, 1980: Hughes 269B (N9303F), Meigs, GA, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW67A0001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW67A0001), Jul 1, 1966: Hughes 269B (N9303F), Little Rock, AR, 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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