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Fatal NTSB investigations: Hughes 269C

35 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Hughes 269C. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

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19712026

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Query with SQL

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('4470504')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
  WHERE c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('4470504'))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('4470504'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.

NTSB CEN16FA315Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Howe, TXThe improper execution of an autorotation following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of remedial action during the autorotation.Aug 10, 2016 · N9277R · Substantial damage NTSB WPR15FA204Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Asotin, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering in a canyon.Jul 1, 2015 · N9490F · Destroyed NTSB DEN03FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Watkins, COfailure of both pilots to initiate a timely recovery from a practice autorotation. A contributing factor was the instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction.May 28, 2003 · N9643F · Destroyed NTSB LAX00LA328Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Rancho Murieta, CAThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout during cruise, which subsequently led to a wire strike.Sep 7, 2000 · N50638 · Destroyed NTSB MIA00GA121Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportHughes 269C · Del Rio, TXAn in-flight loss of control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the in-flight loss of engine power and rotor rpm.Mar 27, 2000 · N1110N · Destroyed NTSB SEA96FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Eldon, WAfatigue failure of the connecting rod cap, which resulted in loss of engine power and ditching at sea.Jun 19, 1996 · N7400F · Destroyed NTSB LAX96FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · San Diego, CAthe decision of the pilot to fly at low altitude and low airspeed within a hazardous performance area published in the pilot operating handbook. Factors in the accident were tailwinds, lack of operator preventative maintenance impairing engine power,…Apr 23, 1996 · N9579F · Destroyed NTSB BFO93FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Tonawanda, NYImproper inflight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle during flight. Factors related to the accident include poor visibility and weather conditions at dusk, and the pilot's excessive airspeed for the…Jan 11, 1993 · N1088Z · Destroyed NTSB BFO92FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · East Bernstadt, KYInadequate maintenance inspection involving failure to detect wear of the clutch spring assembly, resulting in the uncoupling of engine power to the main transmission.Sep 25, 1992 · N9609F · Destroyed NTSB LAX92FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Hesperia, CAA failure of the student pilot to maintain adequate rotor RPM. Contributing to the accident was a failure of the instructor pilot to adequately supervise the training flight and a delay in correcting a low rotor RPM condition.Mar 28, 1992 · N9597F · Destroyed NTSB ATL91FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Blakely, GALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to follow procedures and maintain rotor RPM.Jul 1, 1991 · N11017 · Substantial damage NTSB BFO90FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Jefferson, MDThe failure of the tail rotor drive transmission system due to a worn tail rotor splined drive sleeve, and inadequate maintenance and/or inspection by the operator. Contributing to the loss of control was the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor…Sep 25, 1990 · N1094D · Destroyed NTSB SEA90LA016Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Estacada, ORThe pilot misjudged clearance between her external load and the obstruction. Factors related to the accident were: the obstruction, improper maintenance and modification of the external load line/hook by the operator, failure of the pilot to jettison the…Nov 15, 1989 · N9592F · Destroyed NTSB LAX89FA212Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Rainbow Valley, CAImproper planning/decision by the pilot and his inadequate visual lookout (failure to see and avoid the obstruction). Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's decision to fly in marginal VFR weather, and the…Jun 10, 1989 · N58323 · Destroyed NTSB FTW89DRG06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 269C · Rocksprings, TXThe pilot diverted his attention from operation of the helicopter, failed to maintian proper rotor RPM, and failed to maintain altitude (clearance) above the ground, while maneuvering at low altitude. A contributing factor was his impairment from use of a…May 18, 1989 · N58228 · Destroyed NTSB ATL89FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Mohawk, TNThe helicopter had landed at a private airstrip and the instructor deplaned. The dual student remained in the helicopter with the engine running. The CFI reboarded and the student made the takeoff. Later, on downwind in traffic pattern, a witness reported a…Nov 14, 1988 · N9575F · Destroyed NTSB CHI87MA053Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Cross Plaines, INThe plt & observer were on a power line patrol flt. While proceeding southbound, they apchd an area were the lines were about 23 ft AGL & were crossed by another set of power lines, oriented in an east-west direction. The other power lines were about 45 ft…Dec 10, 1986 · N8982F · Destroyed NTSB FTW83FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Houston, TXThe helicopter crashed in a relatively high speed descent while in a slight nose-low and left bank attitude. The acft had been circling at an alt of about 600 ft MSL awaiting clearance to land. The PIC in the left seat, who was not flying the acft, said he…Jul 20, 1983 · N8995F · Destroyed NTSB FTW81FA146Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Startzville, TXSep 21, 1981 · N8322F · Destroyed NTSB ATL81FA114Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Falls Mill, WVSep 11, 1981 · N7497F · Destroyed NTSB CHI80FA014Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · West Milton, OHDec 15, 1979 · N7483F · Destroyed NTSB MIA79FA045Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Andytown, FLJan 27, 1979 · N7450F · Destroyed NTSB IAD78FA104Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Robbinsville, NCSep 1, 1978 · N9295F · Destroyed NTSB LAX78FA064Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Phoenix, AZAug 7, 1978 · N7477F · Destroyed NTSB MIA78FA110Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Opa Locka, FLAug 5, 1978 · N7455F · Destroyed NTSB DEN78FA017Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Colorado Sprgs, COMay 30, 1977 · N7457F · Destroyed NTSB OAK77FJA07Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Honolulu, HIMar 16, 1977 · N9619F · Destroyed NTSB LAX76AL010Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Idyllwild, CAAug 15, 1975 · N9607F · Destroyed NTSB MKC75AK026Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Topeka, KSNov 1, 1974 · N9648F · Destroyed NTSB OAK74AP065Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Crockett, CAJun 4, 1974 · N8966F · Destroyed NTSB MIA74AM096Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Key West, FLMay 23, 1974 · N9621F · Destroyed NTSB FTW74AF061Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 150 · Boise City, OKFeb 16, 1974 · N22061 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed NTSB OAK74AP015Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Oakland, CAOct 2, 1973 · N9628F · Destroyed NTSB NYC72AN133Accident · 2 fatalClosedHughes 269 · Bergoo, WVApr 18, 1972 · N9635F · Destroyed NTSB CHI72AC050Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Clarkston, MIDec 8, 1971 · N9652F · Destroyed