# NTSB LAX83FA121: Hughes 269A, N42426, Phoenix, AZ, February 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 28, 1983, 10:13 local (17:13 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Location: 33.4484° N, 112.0740° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Phoenix, AZ, within about 13 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4484&lon=-112.0740&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23430
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23430/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA121

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - separation (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE PURPOSE OF FLT WAS TO TAKE AERIAL PHOTOGRPHS OF A BUSINESS AGENCY NEAR THE CRASH SITE. THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED ORBITING A PARKING LOT IN A RIGHT HAND PATTERN AT 150-300 FT AGL. AFTER 2-3 ORBITS IT APPEARED TO HOVER BEFORE PITCHING NOSE DOWN TO A NEAR INVERTED POSITION, FOLLOWED BY A STEEP DESCENT UNTIL IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. FOLOWING THE PITCH OVER, PIECES OF THE TAIL AND/OR M/R BLADES SEPARATED. THERE WAS LEADING EDGE M/R DAMAGE & PAINT TRANSFER CONSISTENT WITH TAIL BOOM STRIKE PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE MAIN ROTOR & HUB ASS'Y WAS LOCATED ABOUT 30 FT FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N42426 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1050388
- Airframe hours: 4636
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Helicopter Associates Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 11, 1983, 37 hours before
- Departed: P16, MESA, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 10 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 19830228005589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830228005589A), Feb 28, 1983: Hughes 269A, Phoenix, AZ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Operated in high risk height velocity and low RPM in a hover. Pitched over rotor strike and separation, then crash.

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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