N74AM

On October 6, 2004, at 1515 local ship time (FSM), a single-engine Hughes 369HS, N74AM, rolled over on its side while attempting to takeoff from the ship Purse Seiner operating in international waters near Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Fling Air, Inc., operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The helicopter rated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. There were no injuries to other ship crewmembers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area aerial observation flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was originating and scheduled to terminate on board the ship Purse Seiner.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the helicopter was based on board the ship. The ship was operating on the high seas for fishing operations. The pilot attempted to takeoff while the left tie-down was still attached to the helicopter. The helicopter rolled onto its left side, and the main rotor blades severed the tail boom. The tail boom sank in the water. The main rotor blades were destroyed.