HUGHES 369HS

Full Narrative

On April 5, 2009, at 1200 Coordinated Universal Time, a Hughes 369HS helicopter, N2058X, landed hard following a loss of control during takeoff from a fishing vessel in international waters of the Pacific Ocean. The Venezuelan certificated commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. The helicopter, which was registered to and operated by HUSA Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local fish spotting flight.

A representative of the operator reported the accident to the National Transportation Safety Board on May 13, 2009. The representative stated that he did not know the location of the vessel at the time of the accident other than it was in international waters in the Pacific Ocean.

The representative further reported that the helicopter was taking off from the deck for a local fish spotting flight when the tail rotor contacted an object on the deck.

The pilot reported that during takeoff the helicopter made a “violent movement to the right.” He attempted to compensate by applying left pedal; however, despite his control inputs, he was unable to regain control of the helicopter. The helicopter landed hard on the deck of the fishing vessel and collapsed the left landing skid. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled over and came to rest on its left side on the deck of the fishing vessel.

Examination of the helicopter by the pilot revealed structural damage to the tail boom, tail rotor blades, tail rotor drive shaft, and main rotor blades. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter or its flight control systems.

The weather conditions at the time of the accident as reported by the pilot were sky clear and a visibility of fifteen miles.