Casualties unknown

Hard Landing During Autorotation After Engine Stoppage (N8751F)

Moultrie, GA, US

On September 27, 1983, a Hughes 269A (registration N8751F) was involved in an aviation accident near Moultrie, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot thought the engine failed from fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aerial application aircraft experienced an engine stoppage at 100 feet AGL and made a hard landing during autorotative forced landing. The pilot suspected fuel exhaustion.

Incident Overview

An aerial application aircraft experienced an engine stoppage during a flight in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot was attempting to land to reload when the engine quit at approximately 100 feet above ground level while over trees. The subsequent forced landing was performed using autorotation, but the aircraft touched down hard.

Fuel Information

The pilot reported adding 10 gallons of fuel to the aircraft approximately 30 minutes before the engine stoppage. After the accident, the aircraft loader stated that there was no fuel remaining on the aircraft. When questioned later, the pilot expressed his belief that the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion.

Operational Context

The flight was an aerial application operation. No other details about the aircraft type, registration, date, location, or injuries were provided in the source material.

Probable cause

Pilot thought the engine failed from fuel exhaustion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44449. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.