# NTSB FTW84LA376: Hughes 269A, N48930, Apple Springs, TX, August 30, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1984, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Apple Springs, TX
- Coordinates: 31.260105, -94.96923 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2601&lon=-94.9692&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21451
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA376
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21451/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA376

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Roll over, landing
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER DISPENSING A LOAD OF GELLED GASOLINE, TO BURN WINDROWS OF BRUSH, THE PLT LANDED & REFILLED THE CHEMICAL TANK. BEFORE TAKING OFF, HE CHECKED HIS FUEL WITH A DIP STICK & DECIDED THERE WAS ENOUGH REMAINING TO DISPENSE A 2ND LOAD. WHILE FLYING DOWNWIND & DISPENSING AT ABOUT 15 FT OVER A WINDROW, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD ON SOFT TERRAIN, THE RIGHT SKID DUG IN & THE ACFT ROLLED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE USED TIME AS A MEASUREMENT OF FUEL INSTEAD OF COMPARING IT TO GEL USE. HE HAD FLOWN ABOUT 3 HRS WITHOUT REFUELING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N48930 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1210033
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Custom Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,905 total, 52 in this make and model, 1,796 as pilot in command, 102 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °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 19840830048069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840830048069A), Aug 30, 1984: Hughes 269A, Apple Springs, TX, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel during a burning operation. A strut dug into soft dirt during the forced landed causing a rollover.

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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