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NTSB Report
September 2, 2014 · Hughes 369D · N516PJ
Willows, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Willows, CA
Aircraft
Hughes 369D (1982)
Tail Number
N516PJ
Operator
Pj Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR14CA363
While in cruise flight an unsecured jacket departed the helicopter through an open window. The tail rotor drive shaft sheared as a result of the jacket's contact with the tail rotors. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing to an orchard where during landing, the main rotors struck and separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to adequately secure cargo (a jacket), which resulted in the jacket exiting the cabin compartment and colliding with the tail rotor during cruise flight.
Full Narrative
While in cruise flight an unsecured jacket departed the helicopter through an open window. The tail rotor drive shaft sheared as a result of the jacket's contact with the tail rotors. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing to an orchard where during landing, the main rotors struck and separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 PDT
Nearest AirportWillows-Glenn County (2nm WNW)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHughes 369D
Tail NumberN516PJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPj Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce/Allison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.76 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC