HUGHES 369D
Camdenton, MO — May 15, 2013
Event Information
| Date | May 15, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN13CA281 |
| Event ID | 20130516X20401 |
| Location | Camdenton, MO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.00093, -92.74081 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 369D |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 133 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The piece of wood/tree that contacted the main rotor blade during the low altitude tree-trimming flight.
Full Narrative
The purpose of the helicopter flight was to trim trees using an external load aerial power saw. The pilot stated that as he was trimming the trees, he saw a 6 to 8 inch piece of wood/tree flying upward on the left side of the helicopter. He stated he felt a momentary vibration as the wood contacted one of the main rotor blades, then everything returned to “normal.” The pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field without further incident. The damage to the main rotor blade was substantial and required replacement of the blade.
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.