# NTSB SEA87LA074: Hughes 369D, N8356F, Forks, WA, April 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1987, 09:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Forks, WA
- Coordinates: 47.789169, -124.259101 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7892&lon=-124.2591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40606
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40606/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA074

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
- Roll over, other

## Analysis

DURING EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATION THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE CEASED OPERATING.  THE HELICOPTER WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE GROUND FOR RECOVERY.  THE HELICOPTER DESCENDED, STRUCK THE GROUND HARD AND THEN ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE.  WATER IN THE FUEL WAS DISCOVERED AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8356F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8356F), registered now, S/N 1260063D (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)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 170069D
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Orca Helicopter Service, Inc., doing business as Orca Helicopter Service
- Registered owner: Bonitar Warner & Kevin Warner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 13, 1986
- Departed: FORKS, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 15,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- 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 19870403008479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870403008479A), Apr 3, 1987: Hughes 369D, Forks, WA, Destroyed. The engine failed during logging operations. Water contamination found in fuel. Fuel filter bypass switch inop.

## Other investigations on N8356F (2)

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 ERA09LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA317), Jun 2, 2009: Hughes 369D (N8356F), Greenville, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The inadequate design of the fourth-stage turbine wheel, resulting in the fatigue failure of one airfoil and a subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB FTW01LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA073), Mar 2, 2001: Hughes 369D (N8356F), Canadian, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: the helicopter's encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hovering out-of-ground effect, and the pilot's failure to maintain control. A contributing factor was the soft terrain condition.

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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