Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369 near Newark, OH — 2018-04-29

Final reportGAA18CA249
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Date
2018-04-29
Location
Newark, OH, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369
Registration
N175JL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission power wires, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.

NTSB narrative

The chief pilot reported that, while the pilot was working on transmission power wires, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter closer to the wires to give a better position for the other crewmember. He added that the pilot heard a noise and felt a vibration from the tail section. The pilot moved away from the wires, noticed no abnormality of flight, and returned to the landing zone without further incident. Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor. The chief pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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