# NTSB SEA94LA147: Hughes 369D, N1088G, Snoqualmie, WA, June 10, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1994, 18:00 local (Jun 10, 1994, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Snoqualmie, WA
- Coordinates: 47.530334, -121.800758 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5303&lon=-121.8008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41950
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41950/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA147

## Probable cause

POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED AND TAILWIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE MANEUVERING FOR LANDING, HE APPROACHED THE LANDING PAD DOWNWIND. THE PILOT REDUCED POWER AND THE HELICOPTER SETTLED WITH A LOW ROTOR RPM INDICATION. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO ABORT THE LANDING; HOWEVER, DURING THIS MANEUVER THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH TREE TOPS.

## Factual narrative

On June 9, 1994, at 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369D, N1088G, collided with trees while maneuvering for landing near Snoqualmie, Washington.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.  The helicopter was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured.

In a written statement the pilot reported that at the end of the work day, he was preparing to land on a pad to pick up ground crew. The pilot made a low pass over the pad, then pulled up and turned downwind for the landing. The helicopter began to settle with power and the descent rate increased, followed by a low RPM indication.  The pilot stated that he "lowered the power" and pushed the cyclic forward in an attempt to abort the landing, however, the helicopter collided with the nearby tree tops. The pilot was able to land the helicopter without further incident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1088G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES 369D
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 700736D
- Airframe hours: 917
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Highline Helicopters, doing business as Highline Helicopters
- Registered owner: Anthony B. Reece
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 1, 1994, 99 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19940609015279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940609015279A), Jun 9, 1994: Hughes 369D, Snoqualmie Pass, WA, Substantial damage. On approach to land. Settled with power. Lost rotor RPM. Brushed trees. Used cyclic to cushion landing.

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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