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NTSB Report
August 30, 2018 · Robinson R44 II · N99645
Girdwood, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Girdwood, AK
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II (2013)
Tail Number
N99645
Operator
Alpine Air Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA534
The pilot reported that, while "hot loading" the second set of fishermen onto the helicopter, a fishing rod struck a main rotor disc. The pilot added that he heard a "small tick," but that, as he hovered the helicopter, he felt no unusual indications through the flight controls. During examination of the helicopter after shutdown, the pilot found damage to the main rotor blade, and based on the manufacturer's main rotor blade damage guidance, he determined that the main rotor blade was beyond repair limits. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The fisherman's fishing rod striking the helicopter’s rotating main rotor disk during loading.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while "hot loading" the second set of fishermen onto the helicopter, one of the fishing rods went into the main rotor disc. The pilot heard a "small tick" but felt nothing on the controls. He hovered the helicopter and no unusual indications were felt through the flight controls. Upon examination after shutdown, the pilot discovered damage to the main rotor blade and based on the manufacturer's main rotor blade damage guidance, the main rotor blade was found beyond repair limits. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN99645
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlpine Air Alaska
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 45 C
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC