Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369D near Waycross, GA — 2024-11-05

Final reportERA25LA040
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Date
2024-11-05
Location
Waycross, GA, USA
Airport
AYS
Aircraft
HUGHES 369D
Registration
N11AS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

An encounter with a foreign object, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting tree trimming operations on a power line right of way that consisted of a 10-blade aerial saw that was slung below the helicopter. During the cutting, a saw blade snagged a 1/2-inch cable that wrapped itself around the lower saw blades. A section of the cable broke off and struck the tail rotor assembly, damaging the stabilizers and tail rotor drive shaft. The helicopter lost all tail rotor authority and began an uncontrolled yaw, impacting the trees as it descended to the terrain where it came to rest on its left side. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and rotor blades. The operator did not report that there were any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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