# NTSB Accident LAX96FA177
> **Hughes 269C** · 1996-04-23 · SAN DIEGO, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX96FA177
- **Event ID:** 20001208X05597
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-04-23
- **Location:** SAN DIEGO, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 32.789367, -117.059188
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Hughes
- **Model:** 269C
- **Registration:** N9579F
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX96FA177) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*