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NTSB Report
October 12, 1991 · Hughes 269B · N9474F
Hillsboro, OR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 12, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hillsboro, OR
Aircraft
Hughes 269B
Tail Number
N9474F
Operator
Precision Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA92LA005
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.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM. FACTORS INCLUDE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING, OVERCONFIDENCE IN AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY, AND NON-SUITABLE TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269B
Tail NumberN9474F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPrecision Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO360B1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO