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NTSB Report
June 10, 1992 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD-500D · N8395F
Polk Inlet, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 10, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Polk Inlet, AK
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD-500D
Tail Number
N8395F
Operator
Cri Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC92LA090
THE PILOT LANDED THE HELICOPTER ON UNSTABLE TERRAIN AND WHEN HE AND THE OTHER FRONT SEAT PASSENGER EXITED BEFORE THE REAR PASSENGERS THE HELICOPTER ROCKED BACKWARDS AND THE TAILROTOR STRUCK THE MUSKEG WHILE THE MAIN ROTOR WAS STILL TURNING SLOWLY. THE PILOT EXAMINED THE DRIVE TRAIN FOR DAMAGE AND FOUND NONE AND ELECTED TO FLY BACK TO HIS BASE OF OPERATIONS. DURING THE FLIGHT THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT SEPARATED AND HE LOST TAIL ROTOR THRUST. THE PILOT EXECUTED A LANDING IN THE WATER. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT AND THE CHIEF PILOT, THERE IS NO INFORMATION IN THE COMPANY OPERATIONS MANUAL OR THE TRAINING MANUAL INDICATING WHAT ACTION HE SHOULD TAKE AFTER A BLADE STRIKE HAS OCCURRED. ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF PILOT THE PILOT DID NOT FOLLOW THE VERBAL PROCEDURE WHICH REQUIRES HIM TO REMAIN INSIDE THE HELICOPTER UNTIL THE BLADES STOP ROTATING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE AND THE COMPANY'S INADEQUATE PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES. A FACTOR WAS THE UNEVEN TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT LANDED THE HELICOPTER ON UNSTABLE TERRAIN AND WHEN HE AND THE OTHER FRONT SEAT PASSENGER EXITED BEFORE THE REAR PASSENGERS THE HELICOPTER ROCKED BACKWARDS AND THE TAILROTOR STRUCK THE MUSKEG WHILE THE MAIN ROTOR WAS STILL TURNING SLOWLY. THE PILOT EXAMINED THE DRIVE TRAIN FOR DAMAGE AND FOUND NONE AND ELECTED TO FLY BACK TO HIS BASE OF OPERATIONS. DURING THE FLIGHT THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT SEPARATED AND HE LOST TAIL ROTOR THRUST. THE PILOT EXECUTED A LANDING IN THE WATER. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT AND THE CHIEF PILOT, THERE IS NO INFORMATION IN THE COMPANY OPERATIONS MANUAL OR THE TRAINING MANUAL INDICATING WHAT ACTION HE SHOULD TAKE AFTER A BLADE STRIKE HAS OCCURRED. ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF PILOT THE PILOT DID NOT FOLLOW THE VERBAL PROCEDURE WHICH REQUIRES HIM TO REMAIN INSIDE THE HELICOPTER UNTIL THE BLADES STOP ROTATING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD-500D
Tail NumberN8395F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCri Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO