# NTSB CHI89FA112: Hughes 269C, N26628, Lockport, IL, June 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1989, 20:45 local (Jun 18, 1989, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Lockport, IL
- Coordinates: 41.580196, -88.040344 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5802&lon=-88.0403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14255
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89FA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14255/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA112

## Probable cause

IMPROPER FLIGHT TECHNIQUE BY THE PIC DURING A TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s)
  - climb - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER FAILED TO CLIMB HIGH ENOUGH TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING HIS ACCELERATION TO LEVEL FLIGHT DURING A TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA FOR A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER STRUCK A TREE WITH THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. THE HELICOPTER THEN DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND STRUCK A HOUSE, WIRES, AND ANOTHER TREE BEFORE IMPACTING TERRAIN AND ROLLING ON ITS LEFT SIDE. THE FLIGHT WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF SCENIC FLIGHTS CONDUCTED BY THE OPERATOR FROM A TEMPORARY LANDING SITE AT A CARNIVAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N26628](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N26628-2012-10-18), registration cancelled 2012-10-18, S/N 1100992, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1100992
- Airframe hours: 3085
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Eagle Air Helicopter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 13, 1989, 19 hours before
- Departed: LOCKPORT, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,549 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ARR

## 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 19890617016079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890617016079A), Jun 17, 1989: Hughes 269C, Lockport, IL, Substantial damage. Struck trees on departing a restricted site. No proper egress routed. No record pilot training by employer.

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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