# NTSB SEA90LA016: Hughes 269C, N9592F, Estacada, OR, November 15, 1989 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 15, 1989, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Estacada, OR - Coordinates: 45.199356, -122.060272 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1994&lon=-122.0603&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 41148 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA016 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41148/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA016 ## Probable cause THE PILOT MISJUDGED CLEARANCE BETWEEN HER EXTERNAL LOAD AND THE OBSTRUCTION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE OBSTRUCTION, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION OF THE EXTERNAL LOAD LINE/HOOK BY THE OPERATOR, FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO JETTISON THE EXTERNAL LOAD, AND A FAILURE OF THE OPERATOR MANAGEMENT TO ASSURE THE PILOT HAD RECEIVED ADEQUATE TRAINING/CERTIFICATION. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor) - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - external load sling/harness - improper (contributing factor) - maintenance,modification - improper, company/operator management (contributing factor) - load jettison - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor) - inadequate initial training, pilot in command (contributing factor) - inadequate certification/approval,airman, company/operator mgmt (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering ## Analysis THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USE IN AN EXTERNAL LOAD OPN TO MOVE CHRISTMAS TREES FROM A FIELD TO A DROP ZONE (DZ) FOR LOADING ON A TRUCK. DURING AN APCH TO THE DZ, THE PLT DID NOT MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE OR CLEARANCE TO KEEP THE LOAD CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS. SUBSEQUENTLY, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER & IT TRAVELED 100 TO 200 FT BACKWARDS. IT THEN HIT THE GROUND TAIL 1ST, ROLLED OVER & WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED. TREES WERE SCATTERED BETWEEN THE OBJECT & THE MAIN WRECKAGE. AN EXAM REVEALED THE PLT HAD ONLY A MANUAL MEANS OF RELEASING THE LOAD AT THE HELICOPTER. THE ELECTRICAL RELEASE SYS HAD BEEN REWIRED TO PROVIDE POWER TO THE BOTTOM HOOK ONLY. ONE OF THE GROUND PSNL RPRTD THE HOOK HAD BEEN MALFUNCTIONING. THE PLT HAD 5 HRS OF DUAL TIME & 8 HRS OF PLT-IN-COMMAND TIME IN EXTERNAL LOAD OPNS; HOWEVER, SHE DID NOT POSSESS THE REQUIRED LETTER OF COMPETENCY FOR THIS OPN. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9592F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9592F-2013-05-23), registration cancelled 2013-05-23, S/N 440296, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: HUGHES 269C - Registry model: [Hughes 269C](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269c) (registry code 4470504) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 440296 - Airframe hours: 3180 - Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-D1A 190 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Other work use, Part 133 - Operator: Helicopter Enterprises - Registered owner: John Inman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, October 1, 1989, 80 hours before - Departed: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 332 total, 162 in this make and model, 194 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 30 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 19891115045379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891115045379A), Nov 15, 1989: Hughes 269C, Estacada, OR, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Caught load on obstruction. Crashed. Longline release inoperative. ## Other investigations on N9592F (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 SEA85LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA079), Mar 20, 1985: Hughes 269C (N9592F), Elma, WA, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.