ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 294983
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| Date: | Monday 17 November 2003 |
| Time: | 21:05 LT |
| Type: |  Hughes TH-55A |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N9240D |
| MSN: | 67-15414 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 3305 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming HIO360-BIA |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | West Lafayette, Indiana -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | West Lafayette, IN (KPVT) |
| Lafayette-Purdue University Airport, IN (LAF/KLAF) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The helicopter received substantial damage on impact with terrain. The pilot reported he lost directional control and heard a "pop" during climb after takeoff. He then regained directional control and executed an autorotation in night meteorological conditions. Examination of the tail boom right cluster fitting by National Transportation Safety Board metallurgists revealed features consistent with an overload fracture in addition to a preexisting crack. The fracture area contained weld material in the heat treated structure. According to the manufacturer, weld repairs were not allowed in this area. A review of maintenance logs did not reveal any entries pertaining to the welding of the cluster fitting.
Probable Cause: The fractured cluster fitting resulting in a loss of directional control during initial climb and the improper repair of cluster fitting by unknown personnel. The night conditions were a contributing factor.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB CHI04LA032
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Oct-2022 16:33 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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