Robinson R44
Lihue, HI — November 10, 2018
Event Information
| Date | November 10, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA066 |
| Event ID | 20181113X12655 |
| Location | Lihue, HI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 21.96694, -159.50833 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The passenger’s improper decision to hold her cell phone outside the helicopter, which resulted in it departing the helicopter and striking the tail rotor.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, before the helicopter tour flight, passengers had been briefed, but still attempted to take cell phones onboard without "a case". He then supplied the cases and attached them to the passengers wrist. During the flight, while at approximately 100 knots, the right side passenger extended her cell phone, in the case, outside of the cabin into the airflow. The cell phone and case, minus the strap, departed the helicopter and impacted the tail rotor.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.