On October 13, 1989, a Hughes 369D (registration N8613F) was involved in an aviation accident near Bothell, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO DETERMINE WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE THE FLIGHT, HIS ATTEMPT TO FLY VFR IN IMC, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE ALTITUDE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE LOW CEILING, RAIN AND FOG WEATHER CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a VFR flight to Snohomish, Washington, did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan. The aircraft was observed maneuvering at low altitude before impacting trees and power lines in rain, fog, and low ceiling conditions.
Accident Overview
A pilot departed from his home on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight destined for Snohomish, Washington, located approximately 7 miles to the north. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan prior to departure.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was observed maneuvering at a low altitude before impact. The accident site was one mile north of the pilot's house. Weather conditions at the time included rain, fog, and low ceiling. The aircraft was flying in and out of low clouds that extended down to tree-top level.
Impact Details
The aircraft subsequently impacted trees and power lines.
What happened in the 13 Oct 1989 Hughes 369D accident near Bothell, WA?
A pilot on a VFR flight to Snohomish, Washington, did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan. The aircraft was observed maneuvering at low altitude before impacting trees and power lines in rain, fog, and low ceiling conditions.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Oct 1989 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N8613F, at Bothell, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT FAILED TO DETERMINE WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE THE FLIGHT, HIS ATTEMPT TO FLY VFR IN IMC, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE ALTITUDE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE LOW CEILING, RAIN AND FOG WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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