Eurocopter AS350B2 N6100U

Summary

On 28 November 1996 at about 21:33 local time, a Eurocopter AS350B2 registered N6100U was involved in an accident near High Island A20. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 November 1996 at 21:33

Classification

Accident

Location

High Island A20

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS350B2

Registration

N6100U

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

High Island 446 → High Island 105

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW97FA051

3 people died.

THIS CASE WAS MODIFIED 6/26/2006. The failure of the tail rotor pitch change link due to a fatigue fracture, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor control and separation of the aft tailboom.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

THIS CASE WAS MODIFIED 6/26/2006. The flight Sam 71 departed High Island 446, Gulf of Mexico at 1504, with a destination of High Island 105. At 1526, the pilot reported to Galveston flight following that the 'tail [rotor] gear box chip light [had] illuminated,' and he was experiencing a 'very high vibration,' which 'settled down a little bit at a slower airspeed.' At 1527 the pilot reported heading towards a platform 3 miles to his north. At 1531 Sam 71 reported that on his first attempt to land on the platform [High Island A20], he was 'not able to control the tail rotor.' Sam 71 also reported that he would try to land one more time, and if unable he would 'continue in [Galveston].' There were no further communications with Sam 71. Examination of the tail rotor system revealed one pitch change link disconnected.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.