# NTSB FTW88LA040: Hughes 269A-1, N8945F, Eldorado, TX, December 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 17, 1987, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Eldorado, TX
- Coordinates: 30.860866, -100.590393 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.8609&lon=-100.5904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22601
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22601/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA040

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN A CLEARING, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED A TREE CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO DESCEND UNCONTROLLED FOR ABOUT 40 FEET. THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE GROUND IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SKIDS, BUBBLE, ROTOR BLADES, AND TAIL BOOM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8945F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8945F-1991-03-27), registration cancelled 1991-03-27, S/N 250030 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A-1
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a-1) (registry code 4470404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 250030
- Airframe hours: 1895
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-BIA 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sawyer Partner, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 1, 1987, 35 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 8,082 total, 114 in this make and model, 7,905 as pilot in command, 107 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJT

## 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 19871217070919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871217070919A), Dec 17, 1987: Hughes 269A1, Eldorado, TX, Substantial damage. Tried toland in a small open space in trees. Main rotors struck a tree causing uncontrolled ground collision.

## Other investigations on N8945F (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 FTW70F0345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW70F0345), Dec 11, 1969: Hughes 269A (N8945F), Aiken, TX, destroyed

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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