Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Center Point, WV — 2013-07-29

Final reportERA13LA344
Sign in to save
Date
2013-07-29
Location
Center Point, WV, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N31HM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after trimming the top portion of a tree during helicopter tree-trimming operations, the engine experienced a gradual loss of power. The rotor rpm then began to decrease, and the "engine out" alarm illuminated and sounded. The pilot maneuvered to avoid power lines; however, during the descent, the rotor blades struck a power line pole, and the helicopter impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to all five main rotor blades and the left landing skid. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe and the air, fuel, and oil systems revealed no anomalies that could have contributed to the loss of power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the tree trimming operation upon noticing power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

Related mishaps