# NTSB NYC84LA134: Hughes 269A, N8817F, Danbury, CT, April 7, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 7, 1984, 15:05 local (20:05 UTC)
- Place: Danbury, CT
- Location: 41.3948° N, 73.4540° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Danbury, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3948&lon=-73.4540&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35533
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA134
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35533/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA134

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - rotor drive system,engine to transmission drive - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - flare - delayed, pilot in command
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- Roll over, landing

## Analysis

WHILE IN FLT, THE HELICOPTER YAWED & THE ENG RPM INCREASED. THE PLT RETARDED THE THROTTLE TO IDLE, LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE & INITIATE AN AUTOROTATION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REACH A SUITABLE LANDING AREA, THE PLT KEPT HIS SPEED UP TO AVOID BUILDINGS. HOWEVER, DURING THE LANDING, THE HELICOPTER HIT A FENCE & ROLLED OVER. AN EXAM REVEALED THE SHORT SHAFT, PN 269A-5559, HAD FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8817F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8817F-2013-06-27), registration cancelled 2013-06-27, S/N 23-0166, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 230166
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-B1B 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert M. Condors
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 28, 1983, 58 hours before
- Departed: NORWALK, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,737 total, 38 in this make and model, 1,498 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840407009109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840407009109A), Apr 7, 1984: Hughes 269A, Danbury, CT, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency autorotation landing after a clutch failure.

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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