Hughes 269C accident near Eldon, WA
On June 19, 1996, a Hughes 269C (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Eldon, WA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- June 19, 1996
- Place
- Eldon, WA
- Aircraft
- Hughes 269C · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 47.520°N, 123.060°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X06097
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 19, 1996, approximately 1140 hours Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 269C rotorcraft, N7400F, being flown by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a collision with water following a total loss of power and forced ditching in Hood Canal near Eldon, Washington. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft and the passenger was able to swim to shore with serious injuries. The pilot, who was observed swimming toward the shoreline by the passenger, was not recovered and is presumed to have drowned. Visual meteorological conditions existed and a company flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Shelton, Washington, approximately 1115. The passenger reported in an interview with an FAA inspector that while the rotorcraft was cruising approximately 400 feet above the surface of Hood Canal it began a hard and erratic shaking. He stated that the rotorcraft descended toward the water and was unable to reach the shoreline (refer to attached statements). A witness along the shore reported hearing a loud "pop" and seeing white smoke in the vicinity of the rotorcraft (refer to attached statements). A sonar search by the US Navy for the rotorcraft and pilot was unsuccessful. The rotorcraft was subsequently located by the owner and recovered on July 20, 1996, under the observation of an NTSB investigator. The wreckage was then secured by Mr. Don Hawks at the Shelton airport. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The Lycoming HIO-360-D1A engine, serial number L-20456-51A, underwent a 100 hour
Probable cause
fatigue failure of the connecting rod cap, which resulted in loss of engine power and ditching at sea.
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Browse: Washington · Hughes aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
