# NTSB MIA85LA133: Hughes 269C, N58208, Tampa, FL, March 26, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 26, 1985, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Tampa, FL
- Coordinates: 27.950794, -82.480636 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9508&lon=-82.4806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31378
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31378/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA133

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi)
  - autorotation - performed, dual student
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - tail rotor/anti-torque control - improper use of, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command(cfi)
  - relinquishing of control - not performed, dual student (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PLT (CFI) REPORTED THAT WHILE PRACTICING A TAXI/HOVER AUTOROTATION, THE HELICOPTER SETTLED ONTO A SOFT AREA IN THE TURF. HE REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT OVER-CONTROLLED WITH RIGHT ANTI-TORQUE PEDAL & THE HELICOPTER SETTLED IN A LEFT SKID. THE CFI WAS UNABLE TO OVERPOWER THE STUDENT WHILE ATTEMPTING REMEDIAL ACTION. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE LEFT SKID SANK IN THE SOFT TERRAIN & THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N58208](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N58208), registered now, S/N 390780, built 1979 (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: 390780
- Airframe hours: 3793
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Andrew Spada
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 10, 1985
- Airport: TPF, Peter O Knight

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; flight instructor, commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 4,070 total, 2,605 in this make and model, 4,010 as pilot in command, 273 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TPA

## 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 19850326010859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850326010859A), Mar 26, 1985: Hughes 269C, Tampa, FL, Substantial damage. Second pilot over controlled and skid went into soft ground, aircraft rolled over. CFI could not gain control.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.