On May 20, 1984, a Hughes 269B (registration N9471F) was involved in an aviation accident near Toulon, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly over a field containing loose debris, which resulted in the ingestion of an empty corn seed sack into the main rotor and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot experienced severe vibration and lost control after flying over a field where an empty corn seed sack was drawn into the main rotor, causing the aircraft to roll over upon landing.
What happened
The pilot landed the helicopter in a grassy area to speak with a friend. During the departure phase of flight, the aircraft flew over a cornfield. At that moment, an empty paper or plastic corn seed sack was drawn up into the main rotor assembly. This ingestion caused a severe vibration to begin immediately.
The pilot then landed the helicopter in the field. The skids dug into the ground during the landing, causing the aircraft to slide approximately 30 feet before rolling over.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site and the helicopter revealed that an empty paper or plastic corn seed sack had been ingested by the main rotor system. This foreign object damage initiated a severe vibration that compromised control of the aircraft during the subsequent landing attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to fly over a field containing loose debris, which resulted in the ingestion of an empty corn seed sack into the main rotor and subsequent loss of control.
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