# NTSB LAX88LA233: Hughes 269B, N9350F, Big Bear, CA, June 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1988, 16:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Big Bear, CA
- Coordinates: 34.230461, -116.859779 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2305&lon=-116.8598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26043
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA233
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26043/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA233

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - engine instrument - misread, pilot in command (cause)
  - autorotation - initiated, pilot in command
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CRUISING, THE PLT PERCEIVED HE WAS EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF ENGINE & ROTOR RPM. THE PLT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN RPM BY AUTOROTATING. THE RPM WAS REGAINED IN THE AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT. THE PLT ELECTED TO CONTINUE THE DESCENT TO A LANDING. UPON TOUCHDOWN THE ACFT ROLLED OVER IN THE SOFT GROUND. THREE DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THE PLT WAS ISSUED A ROTORCRAFT-HELICOPTER PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9350F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9350F), registered now, S/N 0045, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 045
- Airframe hours: 2184
- Engines: LYCOMING HI0-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Western Aviation
- Registered owner: Western Helicopters Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 16, 1988, 97 hours before
- Departed: L67, RIALTO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 73 total, 73 in this make and model, 25 as pilot in command, 73 in the last 90 days, 54 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 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 19880625023699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880625023699A), Jun 25, 1988: Hughes 269B, Big Bear, CA, Substantial damage. Believed engine problem. Autorotated and rolled over on landing. Suspect a practice landing. No defects noted.

## Other investigations on N9350F (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 MKC67A0091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67A0091), Jun 28, 1967: Hughes 269B (N9350F), Papillion, NE, destroyed
- [NTSB DEN65A0047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN65A0047), Jan 9, 1965: Hughes 269B (N9350F), Colo Springs, CO, 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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