# NTSB LAX83LA180: Hughes 269A, N8775F, Lindsay, CA, April 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 17, 1983, 15:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Lindsay, CA
- Coordinates: 36.200561, -119.080131 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2006&lon=-119.0801&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23669
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23669/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA180

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - animal(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - disconnected (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Roll over, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ROUNDING UP CATTLE FOR A BBQ. ONE OF THE STEER IN THE HERD CHARGED THE HELICOPTER & STRUCK ITS SKID. THE MAIN ROTOR DEFLECTED & SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT WHICH IMPACTED THE GROUND & ROLLED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8775F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8775F-2017-09-26), registration cancelled 2017-09-26, S/N 0099, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0099
- Airframe hours: 1660
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Vernon F. Noell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 6, 1982, 58 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,780 total, 45 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19830417013939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830417013939A), Apr 17, 1983: Hughes 269A, Lindsay, CA, Substantial damage. While herding cattle at hover a steer charged and hit a skid causing main rotor to cut off tail boom. Rolled over.

## Other investigations on N8775F (2)

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 ANC81DAG10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81DAG10), Nov 1, 1980: Hughes 269A (N8775F), Goose Bay, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA75AYC34](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA75AYC34), Apr 8, 1975: Hughes 269A (N8775F), Astoria, OR, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.