# NTSB MIA87FA046: Hughes 369HS, N8390F, Zephyrhills, FL, December 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1986, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Zephyrhills, FL
- Location: 28.2407° N, 82.1790° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Zephyrhills, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.2407&lon=-82.1790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31740
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87FA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31740/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87FA046

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - bleed air system - no pressure (cause)
  - maintenance,modification - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - adequate rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - autorotation - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - ground
- Roll over, landing
- Fire/explosion, landing

## Analysis

A WITNESS STATED THAT SHE HEARD THE ENG ON THE HELICOPTER QUIT. SHE LOOKED OUT HER WINDOW AND WATCHED THE HELICOPTER HIT THE GROUND, BOUNCE, HIT AGAIN, FLIP OVER AND THE TAIL BROKE OFF. THE HELICOPTER THEN BURST INTO FLAMES AND EXPLODED.EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE PC AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY WAS BROKEN AT THE FORWARD INLET SIDE OF THE FILTER BODY WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF PC AIR PRESSURE TO THE FUEL CONTROL.THIS CAUSED THE ENG POWER TO REDUCE TO FLIGHT IDLE. THE PC FILTER HOUSING BROKE DUE TO AN IMPROPER MODIFICATION TO THE FILTER BODY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8390F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8390F-1988-04-07), registration cancelled 1988-04-07, S/N 860855S (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369HS
- Registry model: [Hughes 369HS](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-369hs) (registry code 4470728) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 860855S
- Airframe hours: 645
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 278 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: F. M.Mc Gahee
- Registered owner: Francis M. Mcgahee
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 4, 1986
- Departed: TAMPA, FL
- Destination: JACKSONVILLE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIE, 30 nm away

## 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 19861209067029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861209067029A), Dec 9, 1986: Hughes 369HS, Zephyrhills, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The engine failed due to an incorrect air filter which blocked air to the fuel control. Rolled over landing.

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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