ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 385551
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| Date: | Tuesday 24 July 2001 |
| Time: | 16:00 LT |
| Type: |  Hughes 500D |
| Owner/operator: | Omega Air |
| Registration: | N8964T |
| MSN: | 1038D |
| Total airframe hrs: | 3369 hours |
| Engine model: | Allison 250C20B |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Union Gap, WA -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Unknown |
| Departure airport: | Yakima Air Term, WA (YKM |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
While cruising at 1,000 feet above the ground, the helicopter encountered an area of strong updrafts and downdrafts. As it passed through one particularly strong downdraft, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot then initiated an autorotation to the only available landing area. Because the area was small and surrounded by trees, the pilot found it necessary to execute an abrupt flare in order to arrest the forward movement of the helicopter prior to colliding with the trees ahead. The abrupt flare resulted in a hard landing, and the main rotor blades flexed downward far enough to sever the tail boom. Post-accident inspections of the engine and aircraft systems did not reveal any malfunctions or anomalies that would have been expected to contribute to a loss of power. Although the flight manual warned of possible fuel starvation associated with large side slip angles of uncoordinated flight with less than 35 pounds of fuel remaining, approximately 115 pounds of fuel were drained from the helicopter's main fuel bladder.
Probable Cause: The complete loss of engine power at cruise for undetermined reasons. Factors include a landing area that was restricted/confined due to adjacent trees, and an intentional abrupt flare resulting in a hard landing.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB SEA01TA143
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 05-Apr-2024 05:21 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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