On May 25, 1984, a Hughes 369D (registration N211EH) was involved in an aviation accident near Honolulu, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tail rotor failed after the leading edge abrasion strip became detached due to a cohesive failure in the manufacturing process. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter suffered a tail rotor failure shortly after takeoff on a VFR sling loading flight. The pilot performed a running landing on a taxiway after losing tail rotor control. Investigation found the failure was caused by a leading edge abrasion strip detachment due to a manufacturing cohesive failure.
Incident Overview
A helicopter experienced a tail rotor failure shortly after departing the airport while conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) local sling loading flight. The pilot reported that at approximately 500 feet above sea level during climb-out, a sudden and severe vibration occurred. The pilot made a 180-degree turn to return to the airport and initiated a rapid descent. At about 200 feet, the pilot turned back into the wind to perform an autorotational landing to a taxiway designated as Taxiway H. At that point, the pilot had no tail rotor control and elected to make a running landing on the taxiway.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed an in-flight failure of the tail rotor. The failure occurred after the leading edge abrasion strip became detached. Examination of the components showed evidence of a cohesive failure in the manufacturing process of the abrasion strip.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was the in-flight failure of the tail rotor after the leading edge abrasion strip became detached due to a cohesive failure in the manufacturing process.