# NTSB FTW89DRG06: Hughes 269C, N58228, Rocksprings, TX, May 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 18, 1989, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Rocksprings, TX
- Coordinates: 30.010719, -100.209175 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0107&lon=-100.2092&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 23, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22742
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DRG06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22742/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRG06

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION FROM OPERATION OF THE HELICOPTER, FAILED TO MAINTIAN PROPER ROTOR RPM, AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE (CLEARANCE) ABOVE THE GROUND, WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE.  A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS HIS IMPAIRMENT FROM USE OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG (NORDIAZEPAM OR DIAZEPAM), WHICH WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH FLYING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(drugs), pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS FLYING LOW & HERDING ANTELOPE, WHEN THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE TERRAIN & WAS DESTROYED. HE WAS STILL CONSCIOUS AFTER THE ACDNT, BUT DIED ABOUT 3 HRS LATER. BEFORE DYING, HE SAID THE ENG HAD LOST POWER; HOWEVER, NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT OR ENG WAS FOUND THAT WOULD HAVE LED TO A POWER LOSS. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE HELICOPTER HAD IMPACTED IN A LEFT BANK, NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. ALL 3 MAIN ROTOR BLADES HAD EVIDENCE OF HIGH FLAPPING ANGLES AT IMPACT. TOXICOLOGY CHECKS OF THE PLT'S BLOOD, LIVER & KIDNEY REVEALED THE PRESENCE OF NORDIAZEPAM AT LEVELS OF 0.104 MG/L, 0.846 MG/L & 0.427 MG/L, RESPECTIVELY. THE TOXICOLOGIST RPRTD THE THERAPEUTIC RANGE FOR NORDIAZEPAM IN BLOOD WAS 0.02 TO 0.18 MG/L. NORDIAZAPAM IS A SEDATIVE & CNS DEPRESSANT WHICH IS NOT APPROVED FOR FLYING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N58228](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N58228-2014-12-18), registration cancelled 2014-12-18, S/N 290771, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 290771
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Brad Alcorn
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,450 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ERV, 60 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 19890518012279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890518012279A), May 18, 1989: Hughes 269C, Rock Springs, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Appears pilot allowed rotor decay and flapping to occur while herding antelope at low altitude. Result fatal impact

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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