Summary
On May 15, 2013, a Hughes 369D (N725M) was involved in an incident near Camdenton, MO. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The piece of wood/tree that contacted the main rotor blade during the low altitude tree-trimming flight.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN13CA281. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N725M.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The piece of wood/tree that contacted the main rotor blade during the low altitude tree-trimming flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN13CA281