# NTSB NYC83FHD05: Hughes 269C, N1103K, Philadelphia, PA, September 9, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 9, 1983, 11:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Philadelphia, PA
- Coordinates: 40.069206, -75.000175 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0692&lon=-75.0002&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83FHD05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83FHD05

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - visual lookout - not possible, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - running takeoff - performed, dual student (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- Roll over, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH A STEEL DRAINAGE CULVERT HIDDEN IN THE GRASS AND ROLLED OVER DURING A SIMULATED HIGH ALT RUNNING TAKEOFF. THIS WAS AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLT. THE SKID HIT THE CULVERT WHICH EXTENDED ABOUT 3-4 INCHES AGL, 3 FT OF THE SKID BROKE OFF AND THE HELICOPTER WENT OVER ON ITS BACK. TAKEOFF AREA WAS TO THE RIGHT OF A HARD SURFACE RWY. THE AREA IS 200 FT WIDE WITH DRAINS 2 FT WIDE AND 500 FT APART IN THE CENTER. THE GRASS WAS ABOUT 2 INCHES ABOVE THE DRAIN LIP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1103K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1103K-1999-08-05), registration cancelled 1999-08-05, S/N 700945 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 700945
- Airframe hours: 1070
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Horsham Valley Airways,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1983, 70 hours before
- Departed: PNE, PHILADELPHIA, PA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: PNE, N.E. Philadelphia, runway 24, 7,000 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 820 total, 467 in this make and model, 740 as pilot in command, 115 in the last 90 days, 57 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PNE, 1 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 19830909055699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830909055699A), Sep 9, 1983: Hughes 269C, Philadelphia, PA, Substantial damage. A skid struck a steel drainage grill during takeoff in grass area between runways. Helicopter rolled inverted.

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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