# NTSB LAX88LA322: Hughes 369HS, N9110F, Columbia, CA, September 16, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1988, 10:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, CA
- Coordinates: 38.110908, -120.379234 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1109&lon=-120.3792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26105
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA322
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26105/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA322

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - lubricating system,oil filter/screen - blocked(partial) (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - poor, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fluid,oil - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - attempted
  - load jettison - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATION, THERE WAS AN INDICATION OF HIGH TORQUE AND THE OIL CHIP LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE SLOPING TERRAIN AND ROLLED OVER. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER SIX AND SEVEN OIL SCREENS WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF OIL. THE ENTIRE ENGINE EXHIBITED SIGNS OF LACK OF LUBRICATION AND EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9110F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9110F-2002-03-22), registration cancelled 2002-03-22, S/N 1190210S, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369HS
- Registry model: [Hughes 369HS](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-369hs) (registry code 4470728) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1190210S
- Airframe hours: 6813
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 278 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Inter Mountain Helicopters
- Registered owner: Intermountain Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 15, 1988, 83 hours before
- Departed: 022, COLUMBIA, CA
- Destination: AMER. CAMP, CA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,456 total, 317 in this make and model, 3,256 as pilot in command, 264 in the last 90 days, 57 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19880916039189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880916039189A), Sep 16, 1988: Hughes 369HS, Columbia, CA, Substantial damage. High temp and chip light on. Lost power. Rolled over on impact. Oil screens improper installed. Engine over tempted

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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