# NTSB FTW86FQG02: Hughes 269C, N58320, Monahans, TX, November 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: November 8, 1985, 14:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Monahans, TX
- Coordinates: 31.540262, -102.840858 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.5403&lon=-102.8409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21941
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FQG02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21941/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FQG02

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO HERD CATTLE WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED 3 POWER LINES AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO GROUND IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N58320](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N58320-1991-08-09), registration cancelled 1991-08-09, S/N 390760 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 390760
- Airframe hours: 2047
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frank D. Menix
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1985, 363 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: INK, 18 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 19851108057699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851108057699A), Nov 8, 1985: Hughes 269C, Monahans, TX, Substantial damage. Helicopter flew through and severed a set of three powerlines while herding cattle and crashed out of control.

## Other investigations on N58320 (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC79FCJ31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC79FCJ31), Jul 27, 1979: Hughes 269C (N58320), Shelton, NE, substantial damage

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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