Pilot Debrief

Mbb BK117 near Wooster, OH — 2020-07-04

Final reportCEN20LA264
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Date
2020-07-04
Location
Wooster, OH, USA
Airport
BJJ
Aircraft
Mbb BK117
Registration
N263MH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The entanglement of construction fencing into the main rotor system, which necessitated a forced landing that resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.

NTSB narrative

During departure from a portable dolly, the helicopter crew flew over an area where silt construction fencing was installed. While the helicopter flew about 10 ft above ground level and over the fence, the fence became unsecured and blew up and into the main rotor system. The crew then performed a forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and tail rotor blades. Although the crew was aware of the fence, they did not believe it would be a factor during the departure because they had previously flown over it with no issues.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Environmental
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have recognized the construction fence as a hazard during initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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