# NTSB SEA85FA104: Hughes 369D, N8365F, Spokane, WA, May 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 5, 1985, 08:35 local (15:35 UTC)
- Place: Spokane, WA
- Coordinates: 47.619434, -117.400337 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6194&lon=-117.4003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40041
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40041/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA104

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - guy wire (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS ON A FLT TO A TV STATION TO TRANSPORT A TV CAMERA MAN & HIS GEAR. THE REGULAR PLT FOR THIS TRIP WAS UNABLE TO FLY, SO ANOTHER WAS RETAINED FOR THE FLT. THIS WAS HIS 1ST FLT TO THE STATION. HELICOPTER OPERATIONS AT THE TV STATION WERE CONDUCTED FROM A PARKING LOT. AN UNMARKED AREA IN THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE PARKING LOT WAS INTENDED TO BE USED AS A HELIPAD. OPERATIONS TO THE HELIPAD REQUIRED THAT THE HELICOPTER BE MANEUVERED IN THE VICINITY OF TV TOWERS & GUY WIRES. ONE DOUBLE STRAND OF GUY WIRES CROSSED OVER THE PARKING LOT BETWEEN THE CENTER & FAR CORNER OF THE PARKING LOT, AWAY FROM THE HELIPAD, NEAR THE TV STATION (BUILDING). WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE PLT ENTERED THE PARKING LOT FROM THE NORTHEAST & LANDED NEAR 2 LIGHT STANDARDS BELOW THE DOUBLE STRAND OF GUY WIRES. HE EGRESSED & HELPED THE CAMERA MAN WITHOUT SHUTTING DOWN THE ENG. DURING TAKEOFF, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES HIT A GUY WIRE & THE HELICOPTER CRASHED & BURNED IN THE PARKING LOT, A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE LIFT-OFF POINT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8365F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8365F-2013-05-14), registration cancelled 2013-05-14, S/N 270085D, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369D
- Registry model: [Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-helicopters-hughes-369d) (registry code 4470706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 370085D
- Airframe hours: 1820
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Clifford D. Richey, doing business as Spokane Helicopter Service Inc
- Registered owner: Ed Chopot
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, November 20, 1984, 15 hours before
- Airport: Unmarked Helipad

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 11,300 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 11,300 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SFF, 4 nm away

## 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 19850505036329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850505036329A), May 5, 1985: Hughes 369D, Spokane, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck guy wire during takeoff from parking lot. Rotor blades separated and aircraft impacted ground and burned.

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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