# NTSB LAX93LA087: Hughes 269C, N7462F, Folsom, CA, January 2, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 1, 1993, 16:00 local (Jan 2, 1993, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Folsom, CA
- Coordinates: 38.669998, -121.139755 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6700&lon=-121.1398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27901
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27901/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA087

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILING TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER COLLIDING WITH ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND A PASSENGER DEPARTED A PRIVATE HELIPORT LOCATED AT THE PILOT'S HOUSE FOR AN AIRBORNE CATTLE HERDING OPERATION.  THE PILOT DROPPED HIS PASSENGER OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO DIVERT CATTLE WITH HIS HELICOPTER.  THE PILOT SAID THAT HE HAD FLOWN IN THIS AREA FOR ABOUT 24 YEARS AND WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES IN THE AREA. ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT, THE PILOT AND A WITNESS SAID THE SKY WAS OVERCAST AND THE WIRES BLENDED IN WITH THE GRAY SKY.  HE SAID HE ASCENDED TO AN ALTITUDE ABOVE THE WIRES TO DETERMINE HOW TO DESCEND AND MANEUVER TO 'CUT OFF' A STRAY COW.  DURING THE DESCENT, THE PILOT SAID HE BECAME 'EXTREMELY SURPRISED TO SEE WIRES ABOUT 40 FEET DEAD AHEAD.'  THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH TWO OF THE TRANSMISSION WIRES ABOUT 80 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND AND THEN ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT UNTIL COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7462F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7462F-2017-02-04), registration cancelled 2017-02-04, S/N 560511, 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: 560511
- Airframe hours: 2201
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Stanley L. Van Vleck
- Registered owner: Stanley L. Van Vleck
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 23, 1992, 28 hours before
- Departed: NONE, RANCHO MURIETA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 15,475 total, 4,754 in this make and model, 14,475 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 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 19930101000089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930101000089A), Jan 1, 1993: Hughes 269C, Folsom, CA, Destroyed. Collided with powerline while herding cattle.

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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