Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369 near Delia, KS — 2020-08-05

Final reportCEN20CA334
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Date
2020-08-05
Location
Delia, KS, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369
Registration
N104SU
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Foreign object damage sustained to the main rotor blades due to aerial tree trimming.

NTSB narrative

While conducting an aerial tree-trimming flight with an external load aerial saw, the pilot heard a loud “thump” and felt a collision. A heavy vibration was felt, and the pilot landed in a nearby cornfield without further incident. Upon landing substantial damage was found to the main rotor blades with embedded pieces of tree bark and vegetation found in the blades. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions that contributed to the accident. The aerial saw was suspended about 120 ft below the helicopter. The operator noted that this distance is normally adequate to prevent foreign object damage (FOD) to the main rotor blades.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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