N725M Hughes 369D accident

NTSB CEN13CA281 · 2013-05-15 · Camdenton, MO

Summary

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.

Full narrative

Probable cause

The piece of wood/tree that contacted the main rotor blade during the low altitude tree-trimming flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type: Accident
Highest injury: None
Weather conditions: Visual Meteorological Cond
Light condition: Day
Sky condition: NONE
Ceiling (ft): 0
Wind direction: 220
Wind speed (kt): 11
Temperature (F): 86
Distance from field: 0.0

Aircraft

Registration	Make	Model	Damage	FAR part
N725M	HUGHES	369D	SUBS	133

Sequence of events

#	Occurrence	Phase
1	Maneuvering-low-alt flying External load event (Rotorcraft) defining	Climb
2	Maneuvering-low-alt flying Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)	Climb

Findings

Finding
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Debris/dirt/foreign object-Ability to respond/compensate	cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Debris/dirt/foreign object-Effect on equipment	cause