# NTSB SEA82DA090: Hughes 269B, N9352F, Mt St Helens, WA, June 18, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1982, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Mt St Helens, WA
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 18, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71788
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA82DA090
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71788/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82DA090

## Analysis

THE PILOT INTENDED TO PROCEED TO MT ST HELENS TO LAND NEAR SPIRIT LAKE. THE WINDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE DESIRED LANDING POINT WERE TOO STRONG FOR A SAFE LANDING. THEREFORE, AN ALTERNATE SPOT WAS SELECTED BELOW THE RIDGE LINE AND PRESUMABLY SHELTERED FROM THE WIND. LATE IN THE APPROACH HOVER, THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN A SUDDEN SIDE DRIFT WHICH COULD NOT BE ARRESTED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT A STRONG GUST OF WIND HAD BLOWN THE AIRCRAFT OUT OVER THE BACK SIDE OF THE RIDGE. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE HELICOPTER MOVED OUT OF GROUND EFFECT, IT BEGAN TO SETTLE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT. THE IMPACT FORCES WERE SUFFICIENT TO DAMAGE THE AIRCRAFT BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS ABOUT 6200 FT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - airspeed - initiated, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9352F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9352F-2013-03-19), registration cancelled 2013-03-19, S/N 0046, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0046
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jay E Kincy
- Registered owner: Jay E Kincy
- Departed: OLM, OLYMPIA, WA
- Destination: OLM, OLYMPIA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 219 total, 139 in this make and model, 158 as pilot in command, 85 in the last 90 days, 42 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 45 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °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 19820618023379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820618023379A), Jun 18, 1982: Hughes 269B, Mt St Helens, WA, Destroyed. Pilot attempted high altitude landing on mountain during very windy conditions. Aircraft crashed on side of mountain

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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