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
Nov 08, 2007 Baker City, OR N381MC Fatal (1) substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor rpm while maneuvering.
Sep 03, 2007 Ramona, CA N58332 Minor substantial a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jul 30, 2007 Three Forks, MT N428MS Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during autorotation. The flight instructor's inadequate supervision was a factor.
May 29, 2007 Las Piedras, PR N63HD Serious (1) substantial
The failure of the non-certificated pilot to maintain a proper rate of descent during the autorotative landing following a reported loss of engine pow…

The failure of the non-certificated pilot to maintain a proper rate of descent during the autorotative landing following a reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, resulting in a hard landing.

Jan 27, 2007 Fulshear, TX N8503A Minor substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Dec 30, 2006 Mineral Wells, TX N9655F Incident substantial The loss of control as result of loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Dec 11, 2006 Houma, LA N9396F Incident substantial
A partial loss of engine power as a result of a cracked engine cylinder and broken spark plug which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was that it w…

A partial loss of engine power as a result of a cracked engine cylinder and broken spark plug which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was that it was not possible to attain proper rotor RPM.

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.
May 26, 2006 Concord, NC N269RS Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons while maneuvering, resulting in a forced landing to uneven terrain and a roll over.
May 03, 2006 Sullivan, OH N9471F Incident substantial
Fatigue failure of the fuselage-to-tail boom cluster fitting, and the secondary failure of the tail rotor drive shaft. An additional cause was the in…

Fatigue failure of the fuselage-to-tail boom cluster fitting, and the secondary failure of the tail rotor drive shaft. An additional cause was the incomplete compliance with an applicable Airworthiness Directive. A factor was the ditch.

Nov 05, 2005 Omaha, NE N1020Q Incident substantial
The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason and the pilot's improper execution of the emergency procedure which resulted in an excessive desce…

The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason and the pilot's improper execution of the emergency procedure which resulted in an excessive descent rate and subsequent hard landing.

Sep 27, 2005 Daisen, JA JA7670 Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 12, 2005 Ashland, OR N488MC Incident substantial
The inability of the dual student to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the landing roll when the left skid sank into an area of th…

The inability of the dual student to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the landing roll when the left skid sank into an area of thick, soft, sticky tar, and the instructor pilot's improper decision to perform a full-down autorotational landing to a surface which had already shown itself to be soft. Factors include a soft, sticky landing surface, and high temperature that contributed to the softening of the landing surface.

Jul 21, 2005 Laurel, MT N801CP Minor substantial the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while executing a pinnacle approach, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
Jun 23, 2005 Bruceville, TX N7487F Incident substantial The flight instructor's improper flare during autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing factor was, the lack of suitable terrain.
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.

Jun 01, 2005 Sherman, TX N62269 Minor substantial
The applicant's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during a simulated power failure from a hover and the FAA inspector's delaye…

The applicant's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during a simulated power failure from a hover and the FAA inspector's delayed remedial action resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Apr 17, 2005 Whitefish, MT N7054C Incident substantial
The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. Gusting winds and …

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. Gusting winds and the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions were contributing factors.

Jan 29, 2005 Englewood, CO N9688F Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors wer…

the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were low rotor rpm, low airspeed, and the instructor's delay in taking remedial action.

Oct 10, 2004 Minerva, OH N7423F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during liftoff.
Jul 10, 2004 Arlington, WA N56PH Incident substantial
A significant power loss for undetermined reasons while in cruise flight, leading to a full autorotational landing. Factors include no suitable terrai…

A significant power loss for undetermined reasons while in cruise flight, leading to a full autorotational landing. Factors include no suitable terrain in the area, and soft swampy terrain at the point where the pilot found it necessary to perform 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.

Mar 27, 2004 Farmingdale, NY N9520F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while hover-taxiing. A factor in this accident was the high wind condition.
Nov 10, 2003 Louisville, KY N1093D Minor substantial
The pilot's improper in-flight decision to allow the passenger to manipulate the aircraft flight controls, his failure to maintain altitude/clearance …

The pilot's improper in-flight decision to allow the passenger to manipulate the aircraft flight controls, his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the river, and his inadequate remedial action. A related factor was the low altitude.

Nov 07, 2003 Birmingham, AL N1015T Incident substantial The certified flight instructor's inadequate aircraft control and his improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing and roll over.
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.
← Hughes 269 For Sale All Hughes Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data