On February 15, 1983, a Hughes 369HS (registration N3280K) was involved in an aviation accident near Paducah, KY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained damage during an autorotation into an open field after the chip detector light illuminated. Examination found metal particles from the triplex bearing on the transmission plug, though the transmission remained operable.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was damaged during an emergency autorotation into an open field. The maneuver was prompted by the illumination of the chip detector light, a system designed to detect metallic particles within the transmission, engine, and tail rotor gearbox.
Examination Findings
Subsequent inspection of the transmission revealed metal particles on the chip detector plug. These particles originated from the triplex bearing. According to the FAA examiner, the transmission remained capable of operation and could have sustained flight despite the presence of the particles.
Fuel Status
One witness reported that the helicopter was empty of fuel when examined at the scene. When questioned about possible fuel exhaustion, the pilot stated that he had drained the fuel from the aircraft in preparation for moving it.