# NTSB CHI85LA280: Hughes 269A1A, N8951F, Coal Valley, IL, July 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 10, 1985, 18:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Coal Valley, IL
- Coordinates: 41.440414, -90.440422 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4404&lon=-90.4404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13134
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA280
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13134/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA280

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - rotor rpm - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION RUN THE PLT REPORTED A 'SPLIT SECOND LOSS OF POWER.' HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND IT SETTLED INTO TALL CORN. IMPACT RESULTED IN LOSS OF THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES, SEVERENCE OF THE TAIL CONE AND SEPARATION OF THE SKIDS. EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL, ENG COMPONENTS AND AN ENG RUN DISCLOSED NO FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8951F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8951F-2002-03-18), registration cancelled 2002-03-18, S/N 15-0027, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A1A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a-1) (registry code 4470404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 150027
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Aztec Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, May 30, 1985
- Departed: GENESCO, IL
- Destination: COAL VALLEY, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 477 total, 469 in this make and model, 430 as pilot in command, 105 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ORD, 120 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 19850710075909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850710075909A), Jul 10, 1985: Hughes 269A1, Coal Valley, IL, Substantial damage. During spray turn, aircraft struck corn crop and lost directional control. Landed hard. Spark plugs fouled.

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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