# NTSB CHI85LA352: Hughes 269A, N8777F, Hector, MN, August 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1985, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Hector, MN
- Coordinates: 44.74018, -94.710807 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7402&lon=-94.7108&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13195
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA352
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13195/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA352

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

AFTER LIFTOFF FROM AN OPEN FIELD, ON A SHORT LOCAL FLIGHT THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED FUEL EXHAUSTION. DURING THE AUTO ROTATION LANDING, IN AN OPEN FIELD THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ON THE SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8777F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8777F-2013-11-07), registration cancelled 2013-11-07, S/N 62-0101, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 62-0101
- Airframe hours: 1878
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 SER 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Royalaire
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1984
- Departed: 1D6, HECTOR, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 5,885 total, 86 in this make and model, 5,770 as pilot in command, 43 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19850818044739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850818044739A), Aug 18, 1985: Hughes 269A, Hector, MN, Substantial damage. Fuel exhausted during proposed short flight. Aircraft rolled over after autorotation in field.

## Other investigations on N8777F (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 MKC78DCA38](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78DCA38), Jul 7, 1978: Hughes 269A (N8777F), Hannibal, MO, destroyed

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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