Pilot Debrief

HUGHES OH-6A near Majuro, PO — 2010-09-11

Final reportWPR10LA464
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Date
2010-09-11
Location
Majuro, PO, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES OH-6A
Registration
N74LB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of helicopter control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to a representative from the operator, the pilot and spotter were conducting fish-spotting duties, and the helicopter was in a cruise flight about 600 feet above the water when the pilot felt a vibration through the tail rotor pedals. The pilot descended to about 15 feet above the water; the helicopter yawed right, contacted the water, and rolled over. The pilot and spotter exited the helicopter and were later rescued by a fishing vessel; however, the spotter died the following day. The helicopter’s tail boom and tail rotor assembly were not located and presumably sank. Sections of the fuselage and main rotor assembly were recovered but were disposed of before investigative personnel could examine them.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a precautionary landing before the vibration occurred.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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