Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369FF near Kekaha, HI — 2008-05-14

Final reportLAX08LA139
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Date
2008-05-14
Location
Kekaha, HI, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369FF
Registration
N530R
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that he was conducting long-line operations when he heard a loud "popping" sound and moments later the helicopter's engine lost power. The pilot released the long line with its cargo and performed an autorotation to the ground. The helicopter landed hard and the main rotor blades severed the tail boom. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no discrepancies that would have prevented normal engine operation. The engine was removed from the helicopter, placed in an engine test cell, and started. It was taken through a series of timed accelerations and decelerations where it performed to production test standards. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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