Hughes 269 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 390 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

390

All Events

211

Incidents

88

Minor

44

Serious

42

Fatal (61 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 21, 2015 Atlanta, TX N58397 Incident substantial The non-helicopter rated pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in impact with terrain.
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.
Feb 06, 2015 Oresten, SW N90584 Incident substantial Investigation pending
Aug 11, 2014 Darrington, WA N7432F Incident substantial
Maintenance personnel’s failure to secure the throttle mount bracket during a recent engine installation, which resulted in the loss of throttle movem…

Maintenance personnel’s failure to secure the throttle mount bracket during a recent engine installation, which resulted in the loss of throttle movement and an inability to control engine power.

Apr 25, 2014 Cleburne, TX N90636 Minor substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor clearance from terrain while transitioning to a hover taxi and the instructor pilot's inadequate re…

The student pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor clearance from terrain while transitioning to a hover taxi and the instructor pilot's inadequate remedial action to prevent the impending tail rotor contact.

Jul 23, 2013 Lewiston, ID N9484F Incident substantial The pilot's incorrect application of the cyclic control during the landing.
Mar 25, 2013 Rialto, CA N90570 Incident substantial The student pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering in a hover.
Sep 19, 2012 Mc Cool Junction, NE N37754 Incident substantial
The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot’s entry into the autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to t…

The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot’s entry into the autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power as a result of the student pilot rapidly lowering the helicopter’s collective and the partly obstructed air filter.

Jul 24, 2012 St. Petersburg, FL N9679F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to assure that the lateral friction control was released prior to flight.
May 02, 2012 Phoenix, AZ N380TL Serious (1) substantial
A loss of tail rotor drive due to a fatigue failure of the main transmission pinion, which resulted in a loss of directional control during cruise fli…

A loss of tail rotor drive due to a fatigue failure of the main transmission pinion, which resulted in a loss of directional control during cruise flight.

Apr 17, 2012 Grinnell, IA N69HJ Incident substantial The pilot's improper liftoff technique, which resulted in ground resonance, and the pilot's delayed recognition of the ground resonance.
Oct 14, 2011 Fort Worth, TX N10375 Incident substantial The inadvertent entry into ground resonance after a hovering autorotation.
Sep 22, 2011 Ramona, CA N1088Y Incident substantial
The flight instructor’s failure to follow the proper procedure while demonstrating a practice autorotation, which resulted in a total loss of engine p…

The flight instructor’s failure to follow the proper procedure while demonstrating a practice autorotation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent hard landing.

Jul 12, 2011 Wenatchee, WA N3623Z Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control while hovering out of ground effect at low altitude, which resulted in the helicopter settling into trees.
Apr 29, 2011 Edgerton, IN N9561F Incident substantial
A loss of clearance between the tail rotor drive shaft and the tailboom bulkhead for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the overstress failure of…

A loss of clearance between the tail rotor drive shaft and the tailboom bulkhead for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the overstress failure of the drive shaft.

Aug 07, 2010 Lakeview, MI N11XC Serious (1) substantial The pilot's excessive descent angle during landing approach, which resulted in a settling with power condition.
Jun 01, 2010 Cannon Falls, MN N8897F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain rotor speed during the autorotation, which resulted in an excessive sink rate and a hard landing.
Sep 02, 2009 Arapahoe, NE N58163 Incident substantial A sudden vibration for undetermined reasons.
Mar 11, 2009 El Indio, TX N64731 Serious (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to land on a transport trailer in heavy rain and gusting winds.
Aug 23, 2008 Bremen, OH N2256W Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient main rotor speed during the quick-stop maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the drainage ditch.
Jul 15, 2008 Salesville, AR N469E Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crossing transmission line.
Jun 15, 2008 Cook, MN N9357F Minor substantial The pilot not maintaining tail rotor effectiveness while turning in cruise.
Apr 27, 2008 Lincoln, NE N1020Q Incident substantial The pilot's failure to properly execute a steep approach, which resulted in a tail strike and a loss of control.
Apr 23, 2008 Killeen, TX N9064N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM and a safe rate of descent during the autorotation. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.
Mar 21, 2008 Franklin Furnac, OH N9333V Incident substantial The fuel exhaustion during cruise flight and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot-in-command. A contributing factor was the trees.
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data