HUGHES 369D
Kalalau, HI — September 12, 2013
Event Information
| Date | September 12, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR13CA406 |
| Event ID | 20130913X72435 |
| Location | Kalalau, HI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 22.17000, -159.65500 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 369D |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 3 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 3 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The entanglement of a tarp in the helicopter's main rotor from a nearby trash bundle.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to drop off crew members and pick up secured bundles of trash from a remote landing zone. He had landed at this landing zone several times throughout the day. After an uneventful landing, the helicopter started to shake abruptly. The pilot maintained control of the helicopter until the shaking stopped and he could shut down the engine. A witness reported that a tarp from a nearby trash bundle had flown up into the main rotor blades; subsequently, one of the main rotor blades departed the helicopter and sustained substantial damage. There were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operations.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.