Pilot Debrief

KAMAN AEROSPACE CORP K 1200 near Julian, CA — 2017-03-13

Final reportGAA17CA146
Sign in to save
Date
2017-03-13
Location
Julian, CA, USA
Aircraft
KAMAN AEROSPACE CORP K 1200
Registration
N675TH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to conduct a thru-flight walkaround inspection, which resulted in the engine cowling remaining open and subsequently separating from the helicopter and striking the main rotor blades and vertical stabilizer during departure.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he had landed and was going to reposition to another company landing zone after dropping off his crew chief. The pilot opened the engine cowling to allow the engine to cool before restart. However, the pilot did not perform a thru-flight walkaround inspection and climbed into the cockpit and took off. About 60 seconds after departure, he felt a large thump throughout the airframe and then landed as soon as practicable. Upon shutdown and inspection, he noticed that the engine cowling had departed the helicopter and struck the right two main rotor blades and the vertical stabilizer, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendations section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot specified that the company has issued a policy that prohibits opening the engine cowling for the sole purpose of allowing the engine to cool. Additionally, the policy directed a pretakeoff helicopter inspection to be completed by a qualified technician.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not perform a thru flight walk around before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps