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NTSB Report
October 10, 2000 · Hughes 369FF · N82638
Baggs, WY
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Baggs, WY
Aircraft
Hughes 369FF
Tail Number
N82638
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN01LA002
The helicopter was engaged in seismographic/external load operations. According to the pilot, the helicopter was in a stabilized out-of-ground-effect hover at approximately 130 feet above the ground when he heard a loud "pop" or "bang" and the engine lost power. The pilot said the helicopter descended rapidly and impacted the ground at a higher than normal rate of descent. Examination of the engine revealed that the turbine-to-compressor coupling exhibited fatigue failure at the turbine end, having approximately 60 percent of the splines broken away.
NTSB Probable Cause
impact with terrain following a total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the turbine-to-compressor coupling. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.
Full Narrative
On October 10, 2000, at approximately 0915 mountain daylight time, a Hughes 369-FF, N82638, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain while hovering during an external-loads operation near Baggs, WY. The commercial pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed for this local flight being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 133. Preliminary information indicates the helicopter was operating under contract to Western Geophysical and was engaged in seismographic operations. Witnesses stated that the helicopter was at about a 100 foot hover, preparing to drop off seismographic equipment from a 75 foot cable (external sling load), when all power was lost and the helicopter descended vertically, impacting the ground in a level attitude.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369FF
Tail NumberN82638
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30 · Turboshaft · 650
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point14 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO