Southwest Florida SW204 N482SA

Summary

On 27 August 1997 at about 15:10 local time, a Southwest Florida SW204 registered N482SA was involved in an accident near Manila, Arkansas, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 August 1997 at 15:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Manila, Arkansas, United States

Coordinates

35.8792, -90.1600

Aircraft

Southwest Florida SW204

Registration

N482SA

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW97FA330

1 person died.

Fatigue failure of the main rotor blade resulting in the in-flight separation of the main rotor system due to the use of an unairworthy blade, and failure of the maintenance personnel who modified the rotor blade and the mechanic who complied with the Airworthiness Directive to locate the unapproved repair. A factor was the unapproved repair of the main rotor blade.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was applying pesticide to a cotton field when the outboard 9 feet of one main rotor blade separated in flight, resulting in the main rotor system separating from the main transmission mast. The in-flight separation of the main rotor blade was due to fatigue cracks emanating from a puncture through the lower surface of the blade in the leading edge area. The shape of the puncture, the crater mark above the puncture, and surrounding areas containing heavy deposits of lead residue indicated a bullet had entered the blade. The puncture had been repaired; however, manufacturer's specifications stated that this type damage is nonrepairable and the blade should be scrapped. In July 1995, the rotor blade was modified. During the modification process, the blade was inspected for damage. In April 1997, an AD requiring inspection of the blade was complied with.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.