# NTSB CHI85LA290: Hughes 269A, N8877F, Oconomowoc, WI, July 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1985, 19:30 local (Jul 16, 1985, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Oconomowoc, WI
- Coordinates: 43.060653, -88.390426 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0607&lon=-88.3904&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): 13143
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA290
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13143/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA290

## 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
  - collective - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not understood, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICPOTER CONTACTED A CORN CROP AND CAME TO REST INVERTED DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLT. THE PLT STATED, 3 PASSES WERE MADE OVER THE FLD BEING SPRAYED AND AFTER A TURN TO BEGIN THE 4TH PASS, THE HELICOPTER SETTLED WITH PWR CONTACTING THE CROP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8877F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8877F-2013-05-10), registration cancelled 2013-05-10, S/N 73-0254, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 73-0254
- Airframe hours: 2700
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Harold Miller
- Registered owner: Harolds Helicopter Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 12, 1985, 75 hours before
- Departed: OCONOMOWC, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial, private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 604 total, 300 in this make and model, 439 as pilot in command, 115 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKE, 42 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 19850715031339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850715031339A), Jul 15, 1985: Hughes 269A, Oconomowoc, WI, Substantial damage. Settled and struck corn and ground during agricultural turn.

## Other investigations on N8877F (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA77DKJ77](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77DKJ77), Aug 21, 1977: Hughes 269A (N8877F), Clanton, AL, substantial damage

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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