# NTSB MKC85LA098: Hughes 369HS, N9EE, Malvern, AR, May 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1985, 11:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Malvern, AR
- Coordinates: 34.369091, -92.809799 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3691&lon=-92.8098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33939
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33939/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA098

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - crew/group coordination - not maintained, ground personnel (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, ground personnel (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

DURING A POWERLINE CONSTRUCTION OPERATION, A GROUND CREW MEMBER HOLDING A ROPE LEAD LINE RELEASED THE ROPE PREMATURELY AS THE HELICOPTER BECAME AIRBORNE. THE NYLON ROPE ENTANGLED THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM FORCING THE PLT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER. THE GROUND CREW MEMBER IS SUPPOSED TO RETAIN A HOLD OF THIS LINE UNTIL THE HELICOPTER CLEARS THE TOWER WHERE THE LINE STRINGING OPERATION IS BEING CONDUCTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9EE (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369HS
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0684S
- Airframe hours: 1500
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Three Rivers Helicopters
- Registered owner: Cane Ridge Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: MALVERN, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 10,500 total, 500 in this make and model, 10,500 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOT, 10 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 19850508035599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850508035599A), May 8, 1985: Hughes 369HS, Malvern, AR, Substantial damage. Rope leader line tangled in main rotor at liftoff. Ground personnel allowed slack in rope. Aircraft rolled over.

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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