Hughes 269A N81170

Summary

On 30 July 2003 at about 17:15 local time, a Hughes 269A registered N81170 was involved in an accident near Freer, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 July 2003 at 17:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Freer, Texas, United States

Coordinates

27.5950, -98.6203

Aircraft

Hughes 269A

Registration

N81170

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Public Use

Purpose of flight

Public Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hebbronville → Freer

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW03TA190

2 people had minor injuries.

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter lost engine power while maneuvering at approximately 60 feet AGL. The pilot heard a "different sound emitted by the engine" that was "followed by a rapid decrease of engine rpm." The 4,700-hour pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby field, and landed hard. Examination of the engine was conducted at the accident site. Rotational continuity was established throughout the engine. The clutch was engaged, the magnetos fired, and flight control continuity was verified. No anomalies were found on the engine that would have prevented normal operations.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.