# NTSB NYC85LA181: Hughes 269C, N8615E, Altoona, PA, August 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 10, 1985, 15:07 local (19:07 UTC)
- Place: Altoona, PA
- Coordinates: 40.559909, -78.369041 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5599&lon=-78.3690&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35920
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35920/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA181

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,magneto - worn (cause)
  - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command
  - ignition system,magneto - improper (cause)
  - level off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - level off - not possible, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WITH CFI/OWNER AND STUDENT WHO WAS FLYING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OVER HIGH TERRAIN AT ABOUT 70 MPH REPORTED A GRADUAL LOSS OF POWER. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL AND ATTEMPTED TO EFFECT AN AIRSTART. THIS WAS WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE PLT THEN ATTEMPTED TO ARREST THE DESCENT BUT ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND WITH SUCH FORCE IT BROKE UP ON IMPACT. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SKIDS COLLAPSED, TAIL BOOM AND ROTOR WERE SEPARATED AT APRX THE 180 STATION, AND LOCATED APRX 25 FT FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE. DUAL CONTROLS WERE INSTALLED, EXCEPT ON THE RIGHT SIDE THERE WERE NO TORQUE PEDALS ATTACHED TO THE TORQUE CONTROL STUBS. INSPECTION OF THE ACFT AND ENG DISCLOSED ONE MAGNETO WAS OFF ON IT'S TIMING AND THE MAGNETO HAD LOST APRX 43% OF IT'S MAGNETISM. BOTH MAGNETOS CONTAINED OIL AND CARBON BRUSH WEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8615E (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Category: Helicopter
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Spruce Mountain Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PATTON, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AOO

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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