# NTSB CHI82DA149: Hughes 269C, N8963F, Flint, MI, May 3, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1982, 17:08 local (21:08 UTC)
- Place: Flint, MI
- Coordinates: 42.969886, -83.719497 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9699&lon=-83.7195&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70687
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70687/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA149

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, standing
  - landing gear,main gear shock absorbing strut - overload
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, standing

## Analysis

THE AIRCREW WERE ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT TO PREPARE THE STUDENT, A RATED PILOT, FOR A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RATING. AFTER PRACTICING SEVERAL AUTOROTATION APPROACHES, THE HELICOPTER WAS LANDED. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (IP) STATED THAT AFTER TOUCHDOWN, HE AND THE STUDENT WERE IN A DISCUSSION WHEN THEY HEARD A LOUD "POP". THE IP DEPLANED AND INSPECTED THE HELICOPTER, BUT FOUND NO IRREGULARITIES. THEY TOOK OFF AND PERFORMED ANOTHER AUTOROTATION. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE COLLECTIVE WAS LOWERED, THE HELICOPTER PITCHED LEFT AND FORWARD, AND THE ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND AND TAIL BOOM. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE LEFT FRONT SHOCK STRUT DAMPER ASSEMBLY, NO: 269A3150-5, HAD FAILED. TOTAL TIME ON THE PART WAS 3614 HRS. ACCORDING TO A METALLURIGICAL REPORT, A SINGLE OVERLOAD FRACTURE WAS FOUND AT THE CLEVIS ON THE PISTON END OF THE DAMPER. THE CFI DID NOT REPORT ANY HARD LANDINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8963F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8963F-2013-05-17), registration cancelled 2013-05-17, S/N 430200, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 430200
- Airframe hours: 3614
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360D1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Don D. Goble
- Registered owner: Helicopters Ltd.
- Departed: FNT, FLINT, MI
- Destination: FNT, FLINT, MI
- Airport: FNT, Bishop, runway 36, 7,850 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,540 total, 180 in this make and model, 4,234 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 14 statute miles
- Temperature: 160 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FNT

## 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 19820503055049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820503055049A), May 3, 1982: Hughes 269C, Flint, MI, Substantial damage. Front left shock strut failed during autorotation landing. P n 269A31505.

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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