# NTSB NYC87LA069: Hughes 269D, N3624J, Antrim, NH, January 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 28, 1987, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Antrim, NH
- Location: 43.0440° N, 71.9510° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Antrim, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0440&lon=-71.9510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30588
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30588/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA069

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, hover
  - terrain condition - snowbank

## Analysis

DURING A PRACTICE HOVER, THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE HELICOPTER PITCHED UP AT AN ANGLE OF ABOUT 20-25 DEGREES CAUSING THE TAIL ROTOR TO CONTACT THE SNOW. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CFI STATED THAT SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOVERING AT A HIGHER ALTITUDE OVER SOMETHING WHICH DEPTH PERCEPTION WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN EASILY CONFUSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3624J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3624J-1989-02-21), registration cancelled 1989-02-21, S/N S1172 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269D
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: S1172
- Airframe hours: 1809
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-DIA reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Equitable Life Leasing
- Registered owner: Hawthorne College
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 17, 1986, 12 hours before
- Airport: Hawthorme Feather

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; commercial, flight instructor; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 286 total, 227 in this make and model, 227 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Temperature: 21 °F
- 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 19870128001209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870128001209A), Jan 28, 1987: Hughes 269C, Antrim, NH, Substantial damage. The tail rotor hit a snowbank during hover. Helicopter went out of control. Instructor giving an introductory ride.

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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