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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 10, 2020 · Robinson R44 II · N878CB

Ketchikan, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ketchikan, AK
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N878CB
Operator
Helicopter Air Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA068

The pilot reported that, after landing on an elevated helicopter deck and reducing the rotor RPM, he signaled for the brush cutting ground crew leader to approach the helicopter to collect additional chainsaw bars that were being dropped off. He added that, the crew leader indicated that two of the three chainsaw bars were not the correct bars needed, and then threw an incorrect bar away from the helicopter. Subsequently, the bar impacted a main rotor blade, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that the brush cutting crew had been briefed before operations on gear security, rotor awareness, and safe practices when working around the helicopter. The crew leader admitted to a lapse in judgment brought on by stress and frustration. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Ground equipment-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, after landing on an elevated helicopter deck and reducing the rotor RPM, he signaled for the brush cutting ground crew leader to approach the helicopter to collect additional chainsaw bars that were being dropped off. He added that, the crew leader indicated that two of the three chainsaw bars were not the correct bars needed, and then threw an incorrect bar away from the helicopter. Subsequently, the bar impacted a main rotor blade, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that the brush cutting crew had been briefed before operations on gear security, rotor awareness, and safe practices when working around the helicopter. The crew leader admitted to a lapse in judgment brought on by stress and frustration. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN878CB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Air Alaska
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 13 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 54
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data