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NTSB Report
May 29, 1985 · Hughes 269C · N8976F
West Liberty, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Liberty, IA
Aircraft
Hughes 269C
Tail Number
N8976F
Operator
Donald W Crowl
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC85LA115
ON A DOWNWIND SWATH RUN THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED AN ENG FAILURE AND THE PLT ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION. THE PLT THEN MADE A HARD LANDING WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUT WHICH RETAINS THE GEAR TO CRANKSHAFT END HAD BACKED OFF ALLOWING THE GEAR TO SEPARATE AND THE ENG TO QUIT. THE NUT SAFETY WHICH BUTTS UP TO THE NUT FACE WAS NOT IN PLACE.
Full Narrative
ON A DOWNWIND SWATH RUN THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED AN ENG FAILURE AND THE PLT ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION. THE PLT THEN MADE A HARD LANDING WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUT WHICH RETAINS THE GEAR TO CRANKSHAFT END HAD BACKED OFF ALLOWING THE GEAR TO SEPARATE AND THE ENG TO QUIT. THE NUT SAFETY WHICH BUTTS UP TO THE NUT FACE WAS NOT IN PLACE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 269C
Tail NumberN8976F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald W Crowl
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC