# NTSB BFO93FA019: Hughes 269C, N1088Z, Tonawanda, NY, January 11, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 11, 1993, 17:23 local (22:23 UTC)
- Place: Tonawanda, NY
- Coordinates: 42.999614, -78.8703 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9996&lon=-78.8703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11866
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO93FA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11866/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93FA019

## Probable cause

IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM AN OBSTACLE DURING FLIGHT.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT INCLUDE POOR VISIBILITY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS AT DUSK, AND THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED FOR THE CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - snow (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - restricted
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PILOT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED A SPECIAL VFR CLEARANCE TO DEPART ON A RADIO TRAFFIC WATCH FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.  ABOUT 90 MINUTES LATER, THE PILOT REQUESTED ANOTHER SPECIAL VFR CLEARANCE TO LAND BACK AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT.  NO PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED BY THE PILOT. RADAR DATA INDICATED THE HELICOPTER WAS TRAVELLING BETWEEN 50 AND 60 KNOTS AND WAS ABOUT 400 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND JUST PRIOR TO LOSS OF RADAR CONTACT.  THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED POWER TRANSMISSION LINES 194 FEET ABOVE A RIVER AND DESCENDED INTO THE RIVER.  LOW CLOUD CEILINGS, AN OBSCURED SKY, AND LOW VISIBILITY PREVAILED.  IT WAS DUSK.  AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1088Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1088Z-2012-05-24), registration cancelled 2012-05-24, S/N 511057, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 511057
- Airframe hours: 2271
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Bucholtz Aviation
- Registered owner: Bucholtz Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 11, 1992, 24 hours before
- Departed: IAG, NIAGRA FALLS, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 8,600 total, 4,050 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dusk
- Wind: 70° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BUF, 8 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 19930111000289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930111000289A), Jan 11, 1993: Hughes 269C, Tonawanda, NY, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Traffic watch helicopter struck powerlines over the niagara river. Impact severed rotors. Wreckage found in river.

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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