Hughes 369D N765HV

Summary

On 28 May 2007 at about 19:40 local time, a Hughes 369D registered N765HV, operated by Haverfield Corporation, was involved in an accident near Columbus, Montana, United States. 3 people were on board and one died, 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 May 2007 at 19:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Columbus, Montana, United States

Coordinates

45.7228, -109.1553

Aircraft

Hughes 369D

Registration

N765HV

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Haverfield Corporation

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Billings → Billings

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA07LA135

1 person died.

The fatigue failure of a turbine blade due to a localized over-temperature of the turbine section as result of a non-uniform fuel distribution by the fuel nozzle. Contributing to the accident was the close proximity of a power line support structure which restricted maneuverability for a successful autorotation.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a stable hover about 120 feet above ground level for the purpose of visually inspecting a power line support structure, the helicopter had a complete loss of engine power. The pilot's maneuvering options were limited by the support structure, and he attempted an autorotation to a forced landing. During that sequence of events the helicopter collided with terrain. The investigation determined that the engine's fuel nozzle was supplying a nonuniform fuel spray, leading to a localized over-temperature in the turbine section, which lead to turbine blade rub, the eventual fatigue separation of a second stage turbine blade, and the loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.