# NTSB SEA90LA084: Hughes 269A, N8888F, Bremerton, WA, May 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 22, 1990, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Bremerton, WA
- Coordinates: 47.590774, -122.620094 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5908&lon=-122.6201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41198
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41198/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA084

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE TAIL ROTOR CONTROL FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - rotorcraft flight control,tail rotor control - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

WHILE ON FINAL APCH OVER A LAKE FOR LANDING AT A PVT RESIDENCE, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED BINDING T/R CONTROLS AND LOSS OF ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL. HE REDUCED THROTTLE TO MAINTAIN HEADING AND THE ACFT SETTLED INTO WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8888F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8888F-2015-04-27), registration cancelled 2015-04-27, S/N 0231, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a) (registry code 4470402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 63-0231
- Airframe hours: 2305
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-A1A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Eric P. Bass
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 5, 1990
- Departed: PWT, BREMERTON, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 824 total, 109 in this make and model, 649 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,300 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PWT, 5 nm away

## 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 19900522021459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900522021459A), May 22, 1990: Hughes 269A, Bremerton, WA, Substantial damage. Lost tail rotor effectiveness in downwind landing on lake shore. Reduced power to compensate. Settled into lake.

## Other investigations on N8888F (3)

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 SEA68D0281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA68D0281), Mar 31, 1968: Hughes 269A (N8888F), Yakima, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA67A0052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA67A0052), Mar 19, 1967: Hughes 269A (N8888F), Yakima, WA, substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK65A0052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK65A0052), Jan 12, 1965: Hughes 269A (N8888F), Visalia, CA, 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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