# NTSB ATL87LA044: Hughes 269C, N7416F, Bowling Green, KY, December 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1986, 11:48 local (16:48 UTC)
- Place: Bowling Green, KY
- Coordinates: 37.059761, -86.460929 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0598&lon=-86.4609&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7359
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7359/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA044

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - rotor system - failure,total
  - rotor system - overload
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

WHILE HOVERING IN A GRASSY AREA NEAR THE HANGAR FACILITY, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF FLIGHT CONTROL. THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE GROUND AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE HELICOPTER COMPONENT EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY SYSTEM MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. THE FRACTURE FACE EXAMINATION OF BROKEN FLIGHT CONTROL COMPONENTS DISCLOSED ONLY OVERSTRESS FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7416F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7416F-2013-06-05), registration cancelled 2013-06-05, S/N 670605 (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: 670605
- Airframe hours: 983
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-560-DIA 120 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Oil Quest Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 18, 1986, 38 hours before
- Airport: Warren County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 8,740 total, 107 in this make and model, 7,430 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 11 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BWG

## 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 19861214083669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861214083669A), Dec 14, 1986: Hughes 269C, Bowling Green, KY, Destroyed. The main rotor system separated from the helicopter in hover. Suspect a broken pitch link caused severe vibration.

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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