# NTSB SEA88LA097: Hughes 369E, N5258C, Chemult, OR, May 17, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1988, 12:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Chemult, OR
- Coordinates: 44.559795, -123.279953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5598&lon=-123.2800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40819
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40819/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA097

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - performance data - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - restricted (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - loose objects (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- Roll over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF WITH A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF 6,300 FEET. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OPERATED NEAR ITS MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATION. 150 FEET FROM THE INITIAL TAKEOFF THE HELICOPTER ROTOR STIRRED UP DUST AND DEBRIS FROM A ROAD, CAUSING THE PILOT TO LOSE VISUAL REFERENCE WITH THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR BLADE STRUCK A TREE AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED TO ITS LEFT SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5258C (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369E
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 182E
- Airframe hours: 5710
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 375 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: W I D Industries, Inc.
- Registered owner: W.T.D. Industries
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 15, 1987, 70 hours before
- Departed: CHEMULT, OR
- Destination: 4S7, MALIN, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,365 total, 203 in this make and model, 4,076 as pilot in command, 92 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19880517014939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880517014939A), May 17, 1988: Hughes 369E, Chemult, OR, Destroyed. Raised dust and debris during aerial taxi for takeoff. Rotors struck a tree due to restricted visibility.

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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