Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Ketchikan, AK — 2020-07-10

Final reportANC20CA068
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Date
2020-07-10
Location
Ketchikan, AK, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N878CB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The crew leader's decision to throw a chainsaw bar into the moving arc of the main rotor blade.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after landing on an elevated helicopter deck and reducing the rotor RPM, he signaled for the brush cutting ground crew leader to approach the helicopter to collect additional chainsaw bars that were being dropped off. He added that, the crew leader indicated that two of the three chainsaw bars were not the correct bars needed, and then threw an incorrect bar away from the helicopter. Subsequently, the bar impacted a main rotor blade, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that the brush cutting crew had been briefed before operations on gear security, rotor awareness, and safe practices when working around the helicopter. The crew leader admitted to a lapse in judgment brought on by stress and frustration. The 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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