Hughes 269 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 390 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 27, 2026 | Paekakariki Hill, NZ | ZK-HGP | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Feb 09, 2025 | Dippenricht, GE | D-HSEP | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Aug 10, 2016 | Howe, TX | N9277R | Fatal (1) | substantial |
The improper execution of an autorotation following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to …The improper execution of an autorotation following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of remedial action during the autorotation. |
| Jul 01, 2015 | Asotin, WA | N9490F | Fatal (2) | destroyed | The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering in a canyon. |
| Jul 15, 2008 | Salesville, AR | N469E | Fatal (2) | destroyed | The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crossing transmission line. |
| Nov 08, 2007 | Baker City, OR | N381MC | Fatal (1) | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor rpm while maneuvering. |
| May 28, 2006 | Berlin Center, OH | N69HU | Fatal (1) | substantial | The pilot flew at a low altitude and failed to maintain clearance from the wire. A factor was the wire. |
| Sep 27, 2005 | Daisen, JA | JA7670 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Jun 15, 2005 | Rusk, TX | N8768F | Fatal (1) | substantial |
A loss of engine power for undermined reasons, and the subsequent collision with power lines and the ground. A contributing factor was the lack of su…A loss of engine power for undermined reasons, and the subsequent collision with power lines and the ground. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. |
| May 14, 2004 | Louisburg, NC | N115ES | Fatal (1) | substantial |
Fatigue failure of the tailboom saddle fitting which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Also causal was inadequate maintenance due to non-compli…Fatigue failure of the tailboom saddle fitting which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Also causal was inadequate maintenance due to non-compliance to an airworthiness directive requiring inspection of the saddle fitting. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of proper certification. |
| May 28, 2003 | Watkins, CO | N9643F | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
failure of both pilots to initiate a timely recovery from a practice autorotation. A contributing factor was the instructor's inadequate supervision o…failure of both pilots to initiate a timely recovery from a practice autorotation. A contributing factor was the instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction. |
| Apr 11, 2003 | Auburn, CA | N16133 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | the misjudged flare maneuver by an unknown crewmember during a likely practice autorotation that resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. |
| Nov 01, 2002 | Fort Gibson, OK | N8885F | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The in-flight separation of the tail boom resulting from the failure of the fuselage to tail boom attachment fitting lugs, due to fatigue. |
| Aug 16, 2002 | Dannevirke, NZ | ZK-HFW | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Sep 07, 2000 | RANCHO MURIETA, CA | N50638 | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The pilot's inadequate visual lookout during cruise, which subsequently led to a wire strike. |
| Mar 27, 2000 | DEL RIO, TX | N1110N | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
An in-flight loss of control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was…An in-flight loss of control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the in-flight loss of engine power and rotor rpm. |
| Mar 08, 2000 | TYSFORD, UK | GZAPS | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Apr 10, 1998 | EMMETT, ID | N5161E | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
The instructor pilot's failure to maintain the proper rate of descent on landing. Factors were a sudden wind shift, the instructor pilot's lack of rec…The instructor pilot's failure to maintain the proper rate of descent on landing. Factors were a sudden wind shift, the instructor pilot's lack of recent experience, and terrain drop-off. |
| Jun 19, 1996 | ELDON, WA | N7400F | Fatal (1) | destroyed | fatigue failure of the connecting rod cap, which resulted in loss of engine power and ditching at sea. |
| Apr 23, 1996 | SAN DIEGO, CA | N9579F | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
the decision of the pilot to fly at low altitude and low airspeed within a hazardous performance area published in the pilot operating handbook. Fact…the decision of the pilot to fly at low altitude and low airspeed within a hazardous performance area published in the pilot operating handbook. Factors in the accident were tailwinds, lack of operator preventative maintenance impairing engine power, airworthiness of the restraint systems, and the pilot's use of prescription drugs that can impair human performance. |
| Jun 19, 1993 | HENDERSON, NV | N9048R | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
the pilot's improper use of the collective control and his failure to maintain adequate RPM during an autorotative descent during a practice power off…the pilot's improper use of the collective control and his failure to maintain adequate RPM during an autorotative descent during a practice power off landing. A factor which contributed to the accident related to the pilot's lack of recent experience piloting a helicopter. |
| Jan 11, 1993 | TONAWANDA, NY | N1088Z | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM AN OBSTACLE DURING FLIGHT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDEN…IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM AN OBSTACLE DURING FLIGHT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT INCLUDE POOR VISIBILITY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS AT DUSK, AND THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED FOR THE CONDITIONS. |
| Sep 25, 1992 | EAST BERNSTADT, KY | N9609F | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION INVOLVING FAILURE TO DETECT WEAR OF THE CLUTCH SPRING ASSEMBLY, RESULTING IN THE UNCOUPLING OF ENGINE POWER TO THE M…INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION INVOLVING FAILURE TO DETECT WEAR OF THE CLUTCH SPRING ASSEMBLY, RESULTING IN THE UNCOUPLING OF ENGINE POWER TO THE MAIN TRANSMISSION. |
| Mar 28, 1992 | HESPERIA, CA | N9597F | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
A FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ADEQUATELY SUPERV…A FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE TRAINING FLIGHT AND A DELAY IN CORRECTING A LOW ROTOR RPM CONDITION. |
| Jul 18, 1991 | BRICKEYS, AR | N11XC | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE DUE TO FRAYING WHICH INITIATED THE FORCED LANDING AND THE OPERATOR'S FAILURE TO PERFORM RECOMMENDED INSPECTION…THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE DUE TO FRAYING WHICH INITIATED THE FORCED LANDING AND THE OPERATOR'S FAILURE TO PERFORM RECOMMENDED INSPECTIONS ON THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM AND THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. |