Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Kalalau, HI — 2013-09-12

Final reportWPR13CA406
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Date
2013-09-12
Location
Kalalau, HI, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N519PA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The entanglement of a tarp in the helicopter's main rotor from a nearby trash bundle.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to drop off crew members and pick up secured bundles of trash from a remote landing zone. He had landed at this landing zone several times throughout the day. After an uneventful landing, the helicopter started to shake abruptly. The pilot maintained control of the helicopter until the shaking stopped and he could shut down the engine. A witness reported that a tarp from a nearby trash bundle had flown up into the main rotor blades; subsequently, one of the main rotor blades departed the helicopter and sustained substantial damage. There were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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