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NTSB Report
May 13, 1988 · Mcdonnell Douglas 369D · N4943T
Waialua, HI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Waialua, HI
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail Number
N4943T
Operator
Cherry Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX88LA179
THE HELICOPTER WAS RETURNING TO ITS LONG LINE PICKUP POINT FOR ANOTHER LOAD WHEN IT ENTERED AN UNCOMMANDED LEFT ROLL. THE PILOT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER, RELEASED THE LONG LINE CABLE AND ENTERED A SHALLOW, SLOW APPROACH TO A HOVER IN A VACANT AREA. AS THE SKIDS NEARED THE GROUND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED LEFT TO AN ANGLE OF 45 DEGREES, BEGAN TO CLIMB, THEN CRASHED INTO AN IRRIGATION DITCH. THE EXAMINATION REVEALED METAL PARTICLES CONTAMINATING THE TRIM ACTUATOR SWITCH. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE HELICOPTER IS CONTROLLABLE WITH A MALFUNCTIONING TRIM SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE CIRCUIT BRAKERS SHOULD BE PULLED. THE PILOT STATED HE RESET THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE MANUFACTURE FOR UNCOMMANDED TRIM INPUTS AND HIS DECISION TO MAKE A HOVER APPROACH TO LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS RETURNING TO ITS LONG LINE PICKUP POINT FOR ANOTHER LOAD WHEN IT ENTERED AN UNCOMMANDED LEFT ROLL. THE PILOT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER, RELEASED THE LONG LINE CABLE AND ENTERED A SHALLOW, SLOW APPROACH TO A HOVER IN A VACANT AREA. AS THE SKIDS NEARED THE GROUND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED LEFT TO AN ANGLE OF 45 DEGREES, BEGAN TO CLIMB, THEN CRASHED INTO AN IRRIGATION DITCH. THE EXAMINATION REVEALED METAL PARTICLES CONTAMINATING THE TRIM ACTUATOR SWITCH. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE HELICOPTER IS CONTROLLABLE WITH A MALFUNCTIONING TRIM SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE CIRCUIT BRAKERS SHOULD BE PULLED. THE PILOT STATED HE RESET THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 HST
Nearest AirportFIELD (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas 369D
Tail NumberN4943T
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorCherry Helicopters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 3 kt, gusting 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC