Hughes 369D N606AS

Summary

On 30 October 2008 at about 14:45 local time, a Hughes 369D registered N606AS, operated by Aerial Solutions, Inc., was involved in an accident near Carroll Township, Pennsylvania, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 October 2008 at 14:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Carroll Township, Pennsylvania, United States

Coordinates

40.1867, -79.9242

Aircraft

Hughes 369D

Registration

N606AS

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Aerial Solutions, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Carroll Twnshp → Carroll Twnshp

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09LA031

1 person was seriously injured.

A total loss of engine power due to the improper assembly of the compressor discharge tubes to the combustion liner.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was performing low-level external-load (saw) tree trimming operations when the engine lost power and the helicopter subsequently descended into trees and terrain. Detailed examination of the engine revealed evidence of an improper assembly of the compressor discharge tubes to the combustion liner, and evidence of an improper interim repair. Further metallurgical examination of the combustion section revealed evidence of non-uniform combustion patterns, and a subsequent distortion of the materials, which ultimately resulted in rubbing of the first stage turbine wheel and failure of a turbine blade in high cycle fatigue.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.