# NTSB ATL87DLQ02: Hughes 369HS, N9180F, Hawesville, KY, May 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 27, 1987, 20:00 local (May 28, 1987, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Hawesville, KY
- Coordinates: 37.889957, -86.749534 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8900&lon=-86.7495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7246
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87DLQ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7246/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87DLQ02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fuel system,line fitting - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

DURING A WEED CONTROL SPRAYING OPERATION, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A POWER FAILURE 45 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE AUTOROTATION ATTEMPT RESULTED IN THE HELICOPTER IMPACTING THE GROUND ON IT'S LEFT SIDE. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE TO THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP WAS LOOSE AT THE B-NUT. THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED ABOUT SEVEN HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO OTHER SYSTEM FAILURES. IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE B-NUT WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS LAST INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9180F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9180F-1988-11-23), registration cancelled 1988-11-23, S/N 340570S (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369HS
- Registry model: [Hughes 369HS](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-369hs) (registry code 4470728) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 340570S
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Helicopter Minit-Men,Inc.
- Registered owner: Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 20, 1987, 7 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,328 total, 371 in this make and model, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10,000 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870527047709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870527047709A), May 27, 1987: Hughes 369HS, Hawesville, KY, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the helicopter landed hard. Loose b nut on fuel pump was cause of power loss.

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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