# NTSB SEA85LA017: Hughes 369D, N1096L, Humptulips, WA, November 13, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1984, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Humptulips, WA
- Coordinates: 47.320331, -123.910888 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3203&lon=-123.9109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40086
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40086/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA017

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - pickup equipment - separation (cause)
  - rotor system - penetrated (cause)
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - separation
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - rotorcraft flight control,tail rotor control - loss,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - 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](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1096L-2014-11-19), registration cancelled 2014-11-19, S/N 800789D, built 1980 (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 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 8000789D
- Airframe hours: 1313
- Engines: 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

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; 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 (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19841113076319I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841113076319I), Nov 13, 1984: Hughes 369D, Humtulips, WA, Destroyed. Sling rope broke and hook became entangled in main rotor. Rope wrapped around and severed tail boom.

## Other investigations on N1096L (3)

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 SEA99FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99FA018), Dec 8, 1998: Hughes 369D (N1096L), Taholah, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Turbine 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…
- [NTSB SEA98LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA160), Aug 10, 1998: McDonnell Douglas 369D (N1096L), Oso, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The 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.
- [NTSB SEA82FYM16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82FYM16), May 19, 1982: Hughes 369D (N1096L), Birkenfeld, OR, 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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