# NTSB SEA85LA020: Hughes 369D, N58256, Kings Valley, OR, November 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1984, 13:25 local (21:25 UTC)
- Place: Kings Valley, OR
- Coordinates: 44.460441, -123.339195 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4604&lon=-123.3392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40089
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40089/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - misc eqpt/furnishings - failure,partial (cause)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - load jettison - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - load jettison - inadvertent deactivation, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO FLY THE ACFT AWAY FROM THE SITE OF A PROPOSED LOAD DROP BEFORE THE DROP WAS COMPLETED. THE FAA INSPECTORS SAID THE SLING DID NOT RELEASE PROPERLY. WHEN THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO DEPART THE AREA THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUNDIN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. THE PLT HAS 'NO SPECIFIC RECOLLECTION OF THE ACCIDENT.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N58256](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N58256-2015-04-30), registration cancelled 2015-04-30, S/N 1080380D, built 1978 (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: 108030D
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 133
- Registered owner: Spokane Helicopters Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: KINGS VALLEY, OR
- Destination: KINGS VALLEY, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,000 total, 1,015 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 80 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- 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).

- [Accident 19841116062439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841116062439A), Nov 16, 1984: Hughes 369D, Kings Valley, OR, Destroyed. Part of external load sling failed to release as pilot attempted to leave the area. Helicopter struck the ground.

## Other investigations on N58256 (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 DEN81FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN81FA062), Aug 27, 1981: Hughes 369D (N58256), Afton, WY, 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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