# NTSB FTW85LA030: Hughes 269A, N8856F, Terrell, TX, October 29, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1984, 14:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Terrell, TX
- Coordinates: 32.729137, -96.289009 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7291&lon=-96.2890&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21613
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA030
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21613/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA030

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - maintenance,recordkeeping - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - rotor drive system,main rotor driving pulley - stripped thread (cause)
  - rotor drive system,engine to transmission drive - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - excessive, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING AFTER THE PLT HEARD A 'LOUD POP' FROM THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE SPINES ON THE LOWER PULLEY SHAFT COUPLING WERE SEVERLY STRIPPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8856F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8856F), registered now, S/N 43-0194 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 43-0194
- Airframe hours: 1812
- Engines: LYCOMING HO-360-B1B 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Hurley Copters Inc
- Registered owner: Pat Hurley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 4, 1984
- Departed: TYR, TYLER, TX
- Destination: TRL, TERRELL, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; flight instructor, commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 694 total, 79 in this make and model, 475 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAL

## 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 19841029060809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841029060809A), Oct 29, 1984: Hughes 269A, Terrell, TX, Substantial damage. Autorotation after mechanical malfunction in flight. Splines in lower pulley shaft coupling stripped.

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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