On June 21, 1990, a Hughes 269A (registration N110ES) operated by B C Helicopter was involved in an aviation accident near Pittstown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: GROUND RESONANCE DUE TO INADEQUATE SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LANDING GEAR DAMPERS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A solo helicopter transition flight ended with ground resonance after landing; post-crash examination found a collapsed landing gear damper with dried hydraulic fluid residue.
Incident Details
A pilot completed a solo helicopter transition flight and landed. After touchdown, she lowered the collective and rolled off the throttle. The helicopter subsequently entered ground resonance and was destroyed.
Examination Findings
Post-crash examination revealed that one of the landing gear dampers had collapsed. This damper exhibited dried hydraulic fluid residue on the boot and piston. Two other landing gear dampers were able to be compressed by hand.
Manufacturer's Statement
According to Schweizer Aircraft Co., properly serviced and maintained landing gear dampers will not collapse during ground resonance.
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