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NTSB Report
March 20, 1985 · Hughes 269C · N9592F
Elma, WA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Elma, WA
Aircraft
Hughes 269C
Tail Number
N9592F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA85LA079
JUST PRIOR TO LIFT-OFF A VIBRATION ACCOMPANIED BY LATERAL ROCKING OCCURRED. ALTHOUGH THE PLT BROUGHT THE POWER TO IDLE. THE HELICOPTER HAD ALREADY STARTED TO COME APART. DURING ENGINE EXAMINATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE GROUND RESONANCE OCCURRED DUE TO UNDER TO RQ WING OF THE MAIN ROTOR DAMPNERS. THE DAMPNERS HAD BEEN SERVICED JUST 1.5 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
JUST PRIOR TO LIFT-OFF A VIBRATION ACCOMPANIED BY LATERAL ROCKING OCCURRED. ALTHOUGH THE PLT BROUGHT THE POWER TO IDLE. THE HELICOPTER HAD ALREADY STARTED TO COME APART. DURING ENGINE EXAMINATION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE GROUND RESONANCE OCCURRED DUE TO UNDER TO RQ WING OF THE MAIN ROTOR DAMPNERS. THE DAMPNERS HAD BEEN SERVICED JUST 1.5 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 PST
Nearest AirportElma Municipal (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269C
Tail NumberN9592F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 D1A · Reciprocating · 190
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time12:30
Weather SourcePILO