# NTSB ATL86LA053: Hughes 269A, N8866F, Brewton, AL, January 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 8, 1986, 13:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Brewton, AL
- Coordinates: 31.110023, -87.070579 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.1100&lon=-87.0706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7053
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7053/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA053

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

DURING LOW LEVEL CONTROLLED BURNING OF A SMALL TIMBER FOREST THE HELICOPTER LOST POWER. A FORCED LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED IN A FIELD AND THE HELICOPTER WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE AIRCRAFT OWNER RELATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8866F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8866F), registered now, S/N 0242, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0242
- Airframe hours: 2818
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Custom Air Service,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 8, 1985, 75 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,533 total, 905 in this make and model, 1,385 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19860108000389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860108000389A), Jan 8, 1986: Hughes 269A, Brewton, AL, Substantial damage. Fuel exhausted while conducting a low level burning operation. Autorotation into the trees.

## Other investigations on N8866F (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 NYC72FHM54](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC72FHM54), May 30, 1972: Hughes 269A (N8866F), Livngstn Manor, NY, destroyed

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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