# NTSB LAX90LA065: Hughes 269C, N7456F, Rialto, CA, January 6, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 6, 1990, 12:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Rialto, CA
- Coordinates: 34.159988, -117.390434 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1600&lon=-117.3904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26716
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26716/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA065

## Probable cause

THE LACK OF ADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT DURING A CRITICAL PHASE OF FLIGHT WHEN HE ALLOWED A STUDENT TO PERFORM IN AN UNSAFE MANNER WITHOUT TAKING IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - supervision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover

## Analysis

WHILE HOVERING, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER BY ALLOWING THE STUDENT PILOT TO OVERCORRECT THE CONTROLS AND BY NOT TAKING IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION. AFTER HE RECOGNIZED THE DETERIORATING CONDITION, HE TRIED TO RECOVER A GROUND RESONANCE PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE. NO PRIOR MECHANICAL PROBLEM WAS REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7456F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7456F-2015-04-30), registration cancelled 2015-04-30, S/N 760523, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 760523
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: C.A.R.I. Aviation
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airport: L67, Rialto, runway 24, 4,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; airline transport, flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,200 total, 35 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900106000209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900106000209A), Jan 6, 1990: Hughes 269C, Rialto, CA, Destroyed. Rocked back and forth during hovering practice due improper control inputs. Skid touched. Caused ground resonance.

## Other investigations on N7456F (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 SEA77DYA32](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA77DYA32), Jul 26, 1977: Hughes 269C (N7456F), Malta, ID, 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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