Hughes 369D N1096L accident, Humptulips, WA, Nov 13, 1984 · NTSB SEA85LA017

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

Airframe/component/system failure/malfunctionCruise - normal

Pickup equipment - separationCause

Rotor system - penetratedCause

Misc rotorcraft,tail boom - separation

Loss of control - in flightManeuvering

Rotorcraft flight control,tail rotor control - loss,totalCause

In flight collision with terrain/waterDescent - uncontrolled

Analysis

When the hoisting cable on the helicopter failed, the hook end rebounded into the rotor system. The rotor system failed from the structural damage imposed and the acft went into an uncontroled descent impacting the ground on the left skid.

Aircraft

Registration: N1096L
Reported as: Hughes 369D
Category: Helicopter
Serial number: 8000789D
Airframe hours: 1,313
Engine: Allison 250-C20B, 420 horsepower, turbo shaft
Damage: Destroyed
Flight: Other work use · Part 133
Operator: Eagle Air Helicopters Inc
Registered owner: Eagle Air Helicopters, Inc.
Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
Last inspection: 100 hour · April 19, 1984 · 63 hours before

N1096LRegistration cancelled Nov 19, 2014 · Hughes Helicopters HUGHES 369DS/N 800789D · Built 1980 Airframe modelHughes Helicopters HUGHES 369D Engine modelAllison 250 SER 250HPTurbo-shaft

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 38
Certificate: Private
Airplane ratings: Single-engine land
Medical: Class 2, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Seat: Left
Flight hours: 2,361 total · 224 in this make and model · 2,021 as pilot in command · 172 in the last 90 days · 2 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions: Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind: Calm
Visibility: 7 statute miles
Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken
Temperature: 45 °F

FAA reports on this event · 1

The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.

Incident 19841113076319IHughes 369D · Humtulips, WASling rope broke and hook became entangled in main rotor. Rope wrapped around and severed tail boom.Nov 13, 1984 · N1096L · Destroyed

Other investigations on N1096L · 3

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

NTSB SEA99FA018Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportTaholah, WATurbine wheel failure as the result of a low-cycle fatigue crack that initiated in a beyond-limits grinding gouge. Factors include improper maintenance by unknown parties and tree stumps that prohibited a successful emergency landing.Dec 8, 1998 · Substantial damage NTSB SEA98LA160Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportOso, WAThe separation of the 90 degree gearbox and tail rotor assembly for undetermined reasons followed by the inability of the pilot-in-command to maintain control of the rotorcraft.Aug 10, 1998 · Substantial damage NTSB SEA82FYM16Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBirkenfeld, ORThe pilot stated that the fuel gauge indicated 150 lbs of fuel remaining when he began the flight. Since the drop point was within 2 to 3 minutes of the departure point, he elected to proceed without refueling. While hovering and being guided into the drop…May 19, 1982 · Substantial damage