# NTSB SEA90LA106: Hughes 369HS, N4428F, Randle, WA, June 21, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1990, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Randle, WA
- Coordinates: 46.470104, -121.819297 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4701&lon=-121.8193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41215
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA106
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41215/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA106

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, landing

## Analysis

AT THE END OF A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT, THE PILOT APPROACHED THE LANDING ZONE WITH A TAIL WIND AND GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS AT 30 KNOTS. APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET AGL, A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE HELICOPTER WHICH VEERED OFF AND SKIMMED OVER POWER LINES IN THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE LANDING ZONE. POWER WAS APPLIED AND THE HELICOPTER GAINED 20-30 FEET AND CONTINUED ON TO LAND HARD IN THE OPEN FIELD. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE HELICOPTER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4428F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4428F-2022-05-09), registration cancelled 2022-05-09, S/N 1290226S, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369HS
- Registry model: [Hughes 369HS](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-369hs) (registry code 4470728) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1290226S
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C18A 278 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Conquest Helicopters
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: NONE, RANDLE, WA
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 6,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 30 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900621023899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900621023899A), Jun 21, 1990: Hughes 369HS, Randle, WA, Substantial damage. Wind shifted on approach,grazed powerline and landed hard.

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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