Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Camdenton, MO — 2013-05-15

Final reportCEN13CA281
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Date
2013-05-15
Location
Camdenton, MO, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N725M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The piece of wood/tree that contacted the main rotor blade during the low altitude tree-trimming flight.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the helicopter flight was to trim trees using an external load aerial power saw. The pilot stated that as he was trimming the trees, he saw a 6 to 8 inch piece of wood/tree flying upward on the left side of the helicopter. He stated he felt a momentary vibration as the wood contacted one of the main rotor blades, then everything returned to “normal.” The pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field without further incident. The damage to the main rotor blade was substantial and required replacement of the blade.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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