# NTSB DEN82DA024: Hughes 369D, N58214, 10mi. Nw Walsen, CO, January 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: January 26, 1982, 12:35 local (19:35 UTC)
- Place: 10mi. Nw Walsen, CO
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69614
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69614/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA024

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS FLYING 200-300 AGL OVER 8,000 FT TERRAIN ELEVATION AT 80 KNOTS. THE PLT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING WIND GUSTS SLOWING HIS GROUND SPEED TO ZERO. THE ACFT THEN STARTED A RAPID VERTICAL DESCENT WHILE STILL INDICATING 80 K. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO ARREST THE DESCENT BUT THE RIGHT SKID COLLAPSED ON IMPACT & THE ACFT ROLLED RIGHT SHEARING THE M/R BLADES & TWISTING OFF THE TAIL BOOM.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Other gear collapsed, descent - uncontrolled
  - landing gear,skid assembly - overload
  - landing gear,skid assembly - failure,total
- Roll over, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: N58214 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369D
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 880318D
- Airframe hours: 1267
- Engines: ALLISON DDA250C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Russell Lyon
- Registered owner: Russell Lyon
- Departed: C, PUEBLO, CO
- Destination: C, SHEEP MOUNTAIN, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 806 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 35 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 154 °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 19820126001969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820126001969A), Jan 26, 1982: Hughes 369D, Walsenburg, CO, Substantial damage. During low flight over rough terrain turbulence and downdrafts forced helicopter into ground causing accident.

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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