CircumFlightN516PJ Hughes 369D accident
NTSB WPR14CA363 · 2014-09-02 · Willows, CA · near WLW
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
While in cruise flight an unsecured jacket departed the helicopter through an open window. The tail rotor drive shaft sheared as a result of the jacket's contact with the tail rotors. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing to an orchard where during landing, the main rotors struck and separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Full narrative
While in cruise flight an unsecured jacket departed the helicopter through an open window. The tail rotor drive shaft sheared as a result of the jacket's contact with the tail rotors. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing to an orchard where during landing, the main rotors struck and separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately secure cargo (a jacket), which resulted in the jacket exiting the cabin compartment and colliding with the tail rotor during cruise flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 180
- Wind speed (kt)
- 10
- Temperature (F)
- 91
- Nearest airport
- WILLOWS-GLENN COUNTY
- Distance from field
- 2.0
- Airport elevation
- 141
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N516PJ | HUGHES | 369D | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enroute Miscellaneous/other defining | Climb |
| 2 | Enroute Loss of control in flight | Climb |