# NTSB LAX84LA163: Hughes 500C (369HS), N8319F, San Diego, CA, February 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 4, 1984, 19:24 local (Feb 5, 1984, 03:24 UTC)
- Place: San Diego, CA
- Coordinates: 32.710289, -117.160484 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7103&lon=-117.1605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24159
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24159/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA163

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,nozzle - contamination (cause)
  - fuel system,fuel control - contamination (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Other gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,skid assembly - overload

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED A PARTIAL POWER LOSS. DURING THE FORCED LANDING TAHE RIGHT SKID COLLAPSED & THE T/R SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. DURING A SUBSEQUENT ENG TEST, THE ENG WOULD PRODUCE NO MORE THAN 20 PSI TORQUE AT 100% N2. THE FUEL CONTROL & FUEL NOZZLE WERE FOUND TO BE CONTAMINATED WITH A BROWN POWDERY SUBSTANCE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8319F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8319F-1990-02-20), registration cancelled 1990-02-20, S/N 560818S (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 500C (369HS) (500C (369H)
- Registry model: [Hughes 369HS](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-369hs) (registry code 4470728) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 560818S
- Airframe hours: 2914
- Engines: ALLISON 250 C20 278 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Tuna Fleet Management Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 4, 1984
- Departed: SDM, SAN DIEGO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,628 total, 2,554 in this make and model, 42,001 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAN, 8 nm away

## Other investigations on N8319F (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 MKC77DCA33](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77DCA33), Sep 27, 1977: Hughes 369H (N8319F), Mexico, MO, 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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