HUGHES 369FF

Full Narrative

On May 14, 2008, approximately 1140 Hawaiian standard time, a Hughes 369FF, N530R, was substantially damaged during a hard landing following an autorotation to ground subsequent to a loss of engine power near Kekaha, Hawaii. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. Inter-Island Helicopters was operating the helicopter under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local, long line operations. The flight originated from a temporary helicopter pad, approximately 20 minutes before the accident.

The pilot reported that he was conducting long line operations when he heard a loud "popping" sound, and moments later, the engine lost power. The pilot released the long line with its cargo, and performed an autorotation to the ground. The helicopter landed hard, and the main rotor blades severed the tail boom.

Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and the engine manufacturer revealed no discrepancies that would have prevented normal engine operation. On July 9, 2008, the engine was placed in an engine run test cell at the manufacturer's facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. The engine was started, and taken through a series of timed accelerations and decelerations where it performed to Production Test Standards. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.