# NTSB CHI82DA129: Hughes 269A, N8059F, Lowell, MI, April 21, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1982, 15:25 local (20:25 UTC)
- Place: Lowell, MI
- Location: 42.9547° N, 85.3456° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at LOWELL CITY (24C), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9547&lon=-85.3456&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71504
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71504/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA129

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING THE FIRST SOLO FLIGHT IN A HELICOPTER THE PILOT WAS INSTRUCTED TO MAKE THREE NORMAL TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. ON THE SECOND LANDING, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A HOVER, THE BACK OF THE SKID STRUCK THE GROUND DURING A DRIFT-BACK. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED AND IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8059F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8059F-2013-02-27), registration cancelled 2013-02-27, S/N 56-0549 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 56-054-9
- Airframe hours: 4077
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Grand Rapids School Of Bible
- Registered owner: Grand Rapids School Of Bible
- Departed: 24C, LOWELL, MI
- Destination: 24C, LOWELL, MI
- Airport: 24C, Lowell City, runway 24, 1,675 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 396 total, 12 in this make and model, 218 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 140 °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 19820421010469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820421010469A), Apr 21, 1982: Hughes 269A, Lowell, MI, Substantial damage. Drifted backwards during hover practice. Skids stuck in ground, helicopter rolled over.

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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