# NTSB CHI89LA029: Mcdonnell Douglas 269C, N1098P, Frankfort, IL, November 28, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 28, 1988, 10:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Frankfort, IL
- Coordinates: 41.489135, -87.829719 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4891&lon=-87.8297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14314
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89LA029
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14314/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA029

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,helicopter hover performance - exceeded (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A TREE STRIKE WITH THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES AND THEN ROLLED OVER WHEN IT STRUCK THE GROUND DURING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ATTEMPT. THE HELICOPTER HAD BEEN CONDUCTING CONTRACT POWER LINE PATROL WHEN THE PIC NOTED AN APPARENT PARTIAL POWER LOSS DURING A LOW ALTITUDE, LOW AIRSPEED TURN. THE PIC HAD NOTED ENGINE RPM BETWEEN 2500-2600 WITH NO NEEDLE SPLIT WHEN HE ELECTED TO ATTEMPT THE LANDING. THE ENG OPERATED NORMALLY AFTERWARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1098P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1098P-2012-10-11), registration cancelled 2012-10-11, S/N 700923, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS 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: 700923
- Airframe hours: 2953
- Engines: LYCOMING HI0-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Eagle Air Helicopters
- Registered owner: Eagle Air Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 30, 1988
- Departed: IKK, KANKAKEE, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 850 total, 610 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 55 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 28 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19881128051949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881128051949A), Nov 28, 1988: Hughes 269C, Frankfort, IL, Substantial damage. Pilot reported low power in low altitude downwind turn and hit trees. No defects. Indicates settling with power.

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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