# NTSB LAX93LA057: Hughes 369B, N5035F, Fallbrook, CA, December 2, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 2, 1992, 10:12 local (18:12 UTC)
- Place: Fallbrook, CA
- Coordinates: 33.389957, -117.209686 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3900&lon=-117.2097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27876
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA057
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27876/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA057

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE DISTANCE OF THE HIGH TENSION WIRES FROM THE HELICOPTER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND NONFLYING CREWMEMBER WERE PLACING MARKER BALLS ON HIGH TENSION WIRES.  THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE DISTANCE FROM THE WIRES AND A MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK THE UPPER GUIDE WIRE OF THE HIGH TENSION WIRES.  THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM ASSEMBLY.  THE HELICOPTER ROTATED AFTER THE IMPACT AND THE TAIL BOOM ASSEMBLY STRUCK THE HIGH TENSION WIRES STANCHION.  THE HELICOPTER PLUMMETED, UNCONTROLLED,  TO THE GROUND.  THE WRECKAGE AND VIDEO TAPE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5035F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5035F-1995-02-17), registration cancelled 1995-02-17, S/N 711013D (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369B
- Registry model: [Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-helicopters-hughes-369d) (registry code 4470706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 711013D
- Airframe hours: 8436
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Haverfield Corporation
- Registered owner: Haverfield Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1992, 25 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,764 total, 4,207 in this make and model, 5,560 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast

## 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 19921202048699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921202048699A), Dec 2, 1992: Hughes 369D, Fallbrook, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Helicopter main rotors struck powerline. Wreckage fell to ground. Was engaged in placing ball markers on wires.

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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