# NTSB SEA87LA025: Hughes 369D, N1089D, Winlock, WA, November 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1986, 16:30 local (Nov 14, 1986, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Winlock, WA
- Coordinates: 46.480251, -122.869598 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4803&lon=-122.8696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40567
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA025
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40567/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA025

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - pickup equipment - other
  - miscellaneous equipment - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - foreign object damage
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft handling - not possible
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - attempted, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS LOADING XMAS TREES FROM A FARM TO A TRUCK. HE HAD JUST RELEASED A LOAD AND WAS EN ROUTE BACK TO THE PICKUP AREA WHEN THE EMPTY LONG-LINE SLING CONTACTED TREETOPS. THE SLING REBOUNDED INTO THE TAIL ROTOR & DAMAGED THE GEAR BOX WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL. THE PLT INITIATED AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING, BUT THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN HARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1089D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1089D-2003-01-13), registration cancelled 2003-01-13, S/N 510966D, built 1981 (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: 510966D
- Airframe hours: 2791
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Registered owner: Chris L. Soloy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 1986, 91 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; airline transport, commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 10,080 total, 1,111 in this make and model, 9,690 as pilot in command, 101 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: variable at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °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 19861113075579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861113075579A), Nov 13, 1986: Hughes 369D, Winlock, WA, Substantial damage. The helicopter lift line struck trees and rebounded into the tail rotor.

## Other investigations on N1089D (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 ANC88LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA086), Jul 9, 1988: Hughes 369D (N1089D), Kitoi Bay, AK, 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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