# NTSB MIA89LA255: Hughes 269B, N9318F, Lexington, MS, September 21, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 21, 1989, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Lexington, MS
- Coordinates: 33.109153, -90.039039 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1092&lon=-90.0390&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32506
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA255
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32506/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA255

## Probable cause

FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE LINEAR ACTUATOR LUG.  A RELATED FACTOR WAS:  TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - rotor drive system,engine to transmission drive - fatigue (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING FLT, THE HELICOPTER PLT NOTED THAT THE MAIN ROTOR RPM BEGAN DECREASING & THE ENG RPM BEGAN INCREASING.  HE INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION, BUT THE HELICOPTER LANDED IN TREES & WAS DAMAGED.  AN EXAM REVEALED A BOLT LUG ON THE END OF THE LINEAR ACTUATOR (THAT ENGAGED THE BELT DRIVE) HAD FAILED FROM FATIGUE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9318F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9318F-1990-02-08), registration cancelled 1990-02-08, S/N 340050 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 34-0050
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Provine,Bob Jr
- Registered owner: Provine Bob Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 19M, LEXINGTON, MS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GWO, 26 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 19890921035869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890921035869A), Sep 21, 1989: Hughes 269B, Lexington, MS, Substantial damage. Loud noise rotor RPM decayed autorotated into trees. Linear actuator that engages belt drive failed at mount bolts

## Other investigations on N9318F (3)

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 MIA77FKG67](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77FKG67), Aug 20, 1977: Hughes 269B (N9318F), Montezuma, GA, substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK74FJA20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74FJA20), Apr 25, 1974: Hughes 269B (N9318F), Lahaina, HI, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX68A0017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68A0017), Aug 5, 1967: Hughes 269B (N9318F), Van Nuys, CA, substantial damage

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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