# NTSB SEA91LA130: Hughes 269A-1, N8944F, Canby, OR, June 13, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 13, 1991, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Canby, OR
- Coordinates: 45.21033, -122.660026 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.2103&lon=-122.6600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41449
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41449/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA130

## Probable cause

A HARD LANDING AFTER AN UNDETERMINED LOSS OF POWER.  FACTORS INCLUDE AN EXCESSIVE EMERGENCY DESCENT RATE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - powerplant - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - descent - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE HUGHES 269A-1 STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL ENGINE POWER LOSS WHILE SPRAYING CHRISTMAS TREES WITH HERBICIDE.  AS THE ROTOR SPEED BEGAN TO DECAY HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY TO A CLEARING ABOUT ONE-HALF MILE AWAY.  THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO TURN INTO SOME TREES AND THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO AVOID IMPACTING THEM WITH EXCESSIVE REAR CYCLIC.  AT THAT POINT THE AIRCRAFT DROPPED ABOUT 50 FEET TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8944F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8944F), registered now, S/N 15-0021 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269A-1
- Registry model: [Hughes 269A-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269a-1) (registry code 4470404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 15-0021
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360B1A 130 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Noble Helicopters, Inc
- Registered owner: Noble Helicopters, Inc

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; flight instructor, flight engineer, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,500 total, 600 in this make and model, 3,400 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- 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 19910613021769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910613021769A), Jun 13, 1991: Hughes 269A1, Canby, OR, Substantial damage. Report partial power loss spraying trees. Rotor speed decay dropped to ground. Reported no mechanical. None found.

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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