Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTER 369FF near Santa Clarita, CA — 2009-05-01

Final reportWPR09LA226
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Date
2009-05-01
Location
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTER 369FF
Registration
N67FF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude as a result of the helicopter's grappling hook temporarily becoming ensnared with an underwater obstruction.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was maneuvering the helicopter about 10 feet above a reservoir in an attempt to use its rotor wash to propel an object to the shore. During this maneuver, the helicopter's long-line and attached grappling hook were submerged in the water. With the helicopter moving at low speed about 10 feet from the shoreline, the grappling hook became temporarily ensnared on an underwater obstruction and the helicopter made a rapid and violent turn. The pilot initiated emergency procedures and maneuvered the helicopter toward the shore. It touched down on uneven terrain with the left skid on dry land and the right skid in the water. Examination of the helicopter revealed that there was a torsional fracture and separation of the tail rotor drive shaft as a result of the tail rotor blades contacting the water. No anomalies with the main rotor controls were found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have disconnected the long line before attempting to retrieve the lunch pail.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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