# NTSB NYC89LA114: Hughes 269C, N1093Y, Rosehayn, NJ, April 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 11, 1989, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Rosehayn, NJ
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36394
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36394/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA114

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING LANDING. THIS RESULTED IN AN UNCONTROLLED TOUCHDOWN AND ROLLOVER OF THE HELICOPTER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - touchdown - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE FLYING AT 1,000 FT THE HELICOPTER DEVELOPED A LOW POWER SITUATION AND BEGAN LOSING ALTITUDE. AN INSPECTION AND ENGINE RUN UP BY THE FAA FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY ENGINE DISCREPANCIES. COINCIDENTLY, THE PLT HAD BEEN A STUDENT AT THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHERE THE FORCED LANDING WAS MADE. THE RIGHT SKID DUG INTO THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER DURING THE LANDING. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER AT TREE TOP LEVEL WITH A LOW FORWARD SPEED. THEY AGAIN OBSERVED IT AT AN ALT OF 3 FT AGL WHEN IT MADE A 'VIOLENT 45 DEGREE ROLL TO THE RIGHT' DURING WHICH THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1093Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1093Y), registered now, S/N 411045, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C
- Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 311045
- Airframe hours: 3133
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael Lerro
- Registered owner: Horsham Valley Airways
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 29, 1989, 15 hours before
- Departed: HORSHAM, PA
- Destination: A1Y, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 79 total, 67 in this make and model, 55 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19890411007589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890411007589A), Apr 11, 1989: Hughes 269C, Rosehayn, NJ, Substantial damage. Touched down on one skid and suffered a dynamic rollover. Blamed power loss, none found. Landed near school.

## Other investigations on N1093Y (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC83LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83LA206), Aug 10, 1983: Hughes 269C (N1093Y), Spring House, PA, substantial damage

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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