# NTSB CHI83LA448: Hughes 369D, N5127X, Indianapolis, IN, September 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1983, 10:25 local (15:25 UTC)
- Place: Indianapolis, IN
- Location: 39.7684° N, 86.1580° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Indianapolis, IN, within about 11 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7684&lon=-86.1580&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12358
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA448
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12358/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA448

## 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, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,fuel shutoff - loose (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE THE HELICOPTER WAS CRUISING AT ABOUT 500 FT AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT TURNED INTO THE WIND & MADE AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING IN A CORN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING, THE TAIL BOOM WAS SEVERED BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE HOUSING WHICH CONTAINED THE CONTROL CABLE TO THE FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE WAS NOT SECURED TO THE ATTACH POINT ON THE MOUNT. THE LOOSE CONNECTION ALLOWED THE HOUSING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE PANEL WHICH RESULTED IN PULLING THE CABLE TOWARD THE CLOSED POSITION. IN TURN, THIS RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5127X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5127X-2013-06-07), registration cancelled 2013-06-07, S/N 1191D (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369D
- Registry model: [Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-helicopters-hughes-369d) (registry code 4470706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1191D
- Airframe hours: 451
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Operator: Why Not Inc.
- Registered owner: David L. Wilson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 29, 1983, 49 hours before
- Departed: IND, INDIANAPOLIS, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,500 total, 503 in this make and model, 5,500 as pilot in command, 113 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19830930052759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830930052759A), Sep 30, 1983: Hughes 369D, Indianapolis, IN, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing after engine quit from fuel starvation.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.