# NTSB CHI86LA127: Hughes 269A, N8752F, Ft. Wayne, IN, April 23, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1986, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Ft. Wayne, IN
- Coordinates: 40.999046, -85.210403 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9990&lon=-85.2104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13450
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13450/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA127

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - stabilizer - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,modification - intentional, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,modification - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight control - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

APPROX 10-15 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF THE STUDENT PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND CRASH LANDED INTO TREES. FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT, THE ONLY UNUSUAL THING FAA PERSONNEL COULD LOCATE WAS A FAILED HORIZONTAL STABILIZER SPAR. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE STABILIZER REVEALED THAT IT WAS A HUGHES PART EXTENSIVELY MODIFIED FOLLOWING MANUFACTURE BY PERSONS UNKNOWN. SEVERAL SKIN CRACKS ON THE STABILIZER HAD BEEN UNSUCCESSFULLY STOP DRILLED IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP CRACK PROGRESSION. IN ADDITION, ALL SKIN TO SPAR RIVETS WERE NONSTANDARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8752F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8752F-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N 52-0075, 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: 52-0075
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Carl A. Hardcastle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1985
- Departed: FWA, GARRETT, IN
- Destination: 3C2, GARRETT, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 104 total, 83 in this make and model, 12 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19860423013479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860423013479A), Apr 23, 1986: Hughes 269A, Fort Wayne, IN, Destroyed. Helicopter became uncontrollable and impacted trees. Horizontal tail spar found broken. Unauthorized modification.

## Other investigations on N8752F (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 SEA73FYC08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA73FYC08), Sep 9, 1972: Hughes 269A (N8752F), Portland, OR, 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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