# NTSB CHI91DCJ05: Mcdonnell Douglas 269A, N48298, Harvard, NE, August 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1991, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Harvard, NE
- Coordinates: 40.609695, -98.089065 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6097&lon=-98.0891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 9, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14804
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91DCJ05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14804/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DCJ05

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM DURING AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERS.  A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S INATTENTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - touchdown - improper, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE PULLED UP AFTER A SPRAY PASS AND TURNED TO REVERSE DIRECTION.  HE REPORTED HE NOTED A DETERIORATION IN ROTOR RPM, AND HIS REMEDIAL ACTION 'RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE AND RAPID RATE OF DESCENT...THE HELICOPTER HIT THE GROUND...TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND ROLLED OVER.'  THE PILOT STATED HE DID NOT PAY SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO THE FLIGHT, HE WAS PREOCCUPIED AND DID NOT MAINTAIN ROTOR SPEED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48298](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48298-2018-02-16), registration cancelled 2018-02-16, S/N 66-18313, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HI0-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hi0-360-series) (registry code 41553, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 6618313
- Engines: LYCOMING HI0360B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Jims Agri Air
- Registered owner: Jims Agri Air
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: NONE, SUTTON, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, unknown; flight hours: 5,400 total, 409 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °F

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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