Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369HS near Pacific Ocean, PO — 2009-04-05

Final reportWPR09LA244
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Date
2009-04-05
Location
Pacific Ocean, PO, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369HS
Registration
N2058X
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an object during takeoff from the deck of a fishing vessel.

NTSB narrative

A representative of the operator reported that during takeoff from the deck of a fishing vessel, the tail rotor contacted an object on the deck. In his statement, the pilot said that during takeoff for a local fish spotting flight, the helicopter experienced a “violent movement to the right.” Despite the pilot’s input of left pedal, he was unable to regain control of the helicopter. The helicopter landed hard on the deck, resulting in the collapse of the left landing skid. Subsequently the helicopter rolled over and came to rest on its side while remaining on the deck. Examination of the helicopter by the pilot revealed structural damage to the tail boom, tail rotor, and main rotor assembly. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or its flight control systems.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after tail rotor contacted object.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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