# NTSB DEN82DA021: Hughes 269C, N7402F, Bondurant, WY, January 20, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: January 20, 1982, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Bondurant, WY
- Coordinates: 43.200088, -110.409324 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2001&lon=-110.4093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70002
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70002/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA021

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BECAME DISORIENTED IN A WHITE OUT CONDITION DUE TO BLOWING SNOW DURING A LANDING ATTEMPT. HE THEN LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE TO STOP THE BLOWING SNOW AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER BROKE THROUGH THE CRUST OF A FOUR FOOT THICK SNOW COVER. THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER. SIX INCHES OF SNOW HAD RECENTLY FALLEN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - whiteout (contributing factor)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7402F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7402F-2013-05-08), registration cancelled 2013-05-08, S/N 650412, built 1975 (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: 650412
- Airframe hours: 2232
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Jim Tomash
- Registered owner: Discover Air Of Columbus Nb
- Departed: BONDURANT, WY
- Destination: BONDURANT, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,800 total, 1,630 in this make and model, 2,800 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 50 °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 19820120001669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820120001669A), Jan 20, 1982: Hughes 269C, Bondurant, WY, Substantial damage. Encountered white from blowing snow on landing on 4 feet of snow. One skid broke through snow. Rotors hit snow.

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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