# NTSB SEA92LA005: Hughes 269B, N9474F, Hillsboro, OR, October 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 11, 1991, 18:00 local (Oct 12, 1991, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Hillsboro, OR
- Coordinates: 45.440471, -122.960319 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4405&lon=-122.9603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41599
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41599/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA005

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM.  FACTORS INCLUDE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING, OVERCONFIDENCE IN AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY, AND NON-SUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE HUGHES 269B ALLOWED ROTOR RPM TO DROP OUT OF THE GREEN ARC, WHILE MANEUVERING OVER AN ORCHARD IN ORDER TO KNOCK HAZELNUTS OFF OF TREES WITH HIS ROTOR WASH. HE WAS UNABLE TO REDUCE COLLECTIVE BECAUSE OF THE TREES, AND HE COULD NOT ACCELERATE ENOUGH TO INCREASE ROTOR SPEED PRIOR TO SETTLING INTO THE ORCHARD.  AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD TAKEN ON A PASSENGER AND FILLED THE AIRCRAFT WITH FUEL, WITHOUT RECOMPUTING THE PERFORMANCE DATA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9474F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9474F-2005-03-08), registration cancelled 2005-03-08, S/N 116-0278, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 269B
- Registry model: [Hughes 269B](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-269b) (registry code 4470502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1160278
- Airframe hours: 9525
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO360B1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Precision Helicopters Inc.
- Registered owner: Precision Helicopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 16, 1991, 52 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 547 total, 23 in this make and model, 429 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 70 °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 19911011046059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911011046059A), Oct 11, 1991: Hughes 269B, Hillsboro, OR, Substantial damage. Overweight,low and slow while blowing nuts off trees. RPM decay unable recover made quick stop into trees.

## Other investigations on N9474F (4)

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 SEA95LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA112), Jun 4, 1995: Hughes 269B (N9474F), Caldwell, ID, destroyed. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM POWER LINES. FACTORS INCLUDE SUNGLARE ENCOUNTERED WHEN HE TURNED INTO THE SUN.
- [NTSB SEA93IA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93IA073), Mar 5, 1993: Hughes 269B (N9474F), Mcminnville, OR, incident, minor damage. Probable cause: AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE A TAILWIND, AND GUSTS.
- [NTSB DIA69D0091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69D0091), Oct 15, 1968: Hughes 269B (N9474F), Washington, DC, substantial damage
- [NTSB DIA68A0001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA68A0001), Jul 14, 1967: Hughes 269B (N9474F), Silver Spring, MD, 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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