# NTSB DEN84FA142: Hughes 369D, N1090A, Meeker, CO, May 2, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1984, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Meeker, CO
- Coordinates: 40.049697, -107.889495 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0497&lon=-107.8895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16210
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84FA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16210/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA142

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

## Analysis

DURING SLOW (35-40 KTS) CRUISE FLT AT ABOUT 50 FT AGL IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN FOR WILDLIFE SURVEY, PWR LOSS OCCURRED. AUTO SYSTEMS BRIEFLY RESTORED PWR, FOLLOWED BY A TTL LOSS. PLT EXECUTED EMERGENCY AUTOROTATION INTO TREES ON SLOPING TERRAIN. INVESTIGATION ESTABLISHED FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRAL, AUTO IGNITION FUNCTIONAL AND ENGINE AIR INTAKE CLEAR. ON FUNCTIONAL TEST, ENGINE PERFORMED TO SPECIFICATIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1090A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1090A-2015-03-23), registration cancelled 2015-03-23, S/N 410953D (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369D
- Registry model: [Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-helicopters-hughes-369d) (registry code 4470706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 410953D
- Airframe hours: 572
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Gary Luebs
- Registered owner: James F. Bozich
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 11, 1984, 11 hours before
- Departed: 2V3, MEEKER, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,482 total, 69 in this make and model, 1,390 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EGE, 76 nm away

## 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 19840502024799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840502024799A), May 2, 1984: Hughes 369D, Meeker, CO, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during autorotation. Engine quit after steep turn. Possible unporting of fuel tank outlet.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.