Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Girdwood, AK — 2018-08-30

Final reportGAA18CA534
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Date
2018-08-30
Location
Girdwood, AK, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N99645
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The fisherman's fishing rod striking the helicopter’s rotating main rotor disk during loading.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while "hot loading" the second set of fishermen onto the helicopter, a fishing rod struck a main rotor disc. The pilot added that he heard a "small tick," but that, as he hovered the helicopter, he felt no unusual indications through the flight controls. During examination of the helicopter after shutdown, the pilot found damage to the main rotor blade, and based on the manufacturer's main rotor blade damage guidance, he determined that the main rotor blade was beyond repair limits. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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