Summary
On August 30, 2018, a Robinson R44 (N99645) was involved in an incident near Girdwood, AK. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The fisherman's fishing rod striking the helicopter’s rotating main rotor disk during loading.
The pilot reported that while "hot loading" the second set of fishermen onto the helicopter, one of the fishing rods went into the main rotor disc. The pilot heard a "small tick" but felt nothing on the controls. He hovered the helicopter and no unusual indications were felt through the flight controls.
Upon examination after shutdown, the pilot discovered damage to the main rotor blade and based on the manufacturer's main rotor blade damage guidance, the main rotor blade was found beyond repair limits.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA534. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N99645.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The fisherman's fishing rod striking the helicopter’s rotating main rotor disk during loading.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that while "hot loading" the second set of fishermen onto the helicopter, one of the fishing rods went into the main rotor disc. The pilot heard a "small tick" but felt nothing on the controls. He hovered the helicopter and no unusual indications were felt through the flight controls.
Upon examination after shutdown, the pilot discovered damage to the main rotor blade and based on the manufacturer's main rotor blade damage guidance, the main rotor blade was found beyond repair limits.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA534