HUGHES 369D
Willows, CA — September 2, 2014
Event Information
| Date | September 2, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA363 |
| Event ID | 20140902X80413 |
| Location | Willows, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.52417, -122.24917 |
| Airport | WILLOWS-GLENN COUNTY |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 369D |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to adequately secure cargo (a jacket), which resulted in the jacket exiting the cabin compartment and colliding with the tail rotor during cruise flight.
Full Narrative
While in cruise flight an unsecured jacket departed the helicopter through an open window. The tail rotor drive shaft sheared as a result of the jacket's contact with the tail rotors. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing to an orchard where during landing, the main rotors struck and separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
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.