1991-02-20: Hughes 269C — Helicopter Flight, Inc.

1991-02-20: Hughes 269C — Helicopter Flight, Inc. — North Mankato, MN

Casualties unknown • North Mankato, MN, US

Probable cause

THE FATIQUE FAILURE OF THE TAIL BOOM SUPPORT STRUT ATTACHMENT CLUSTER AND THE IMPROPER INSPECTION OF THE CLUSTER ATTACHMENT.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE AERIAL OBSERVATION FLIGHT HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE BACK OF THE HELICOPTER. THE HELICOPTER THEN BEGAN ROTATING CLOCKWISE AND DESCENDED TO IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN IN A WOODED AREA. POST ACCIDENT IMSPECTION REVEALED A FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE TAIL BOOM SUPPORT STRUT CLUSTER FITTING (LEFT SIDE). AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE ISSUED IN 1976 CALLED FOR A DAILY VISUAL INSPECTION AND A 200 HOUR DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION OF THE FITTING. A LOGBOOK ENTRY DATE AUGUST 15, 1990, STATED ALL AD'S HAD BEEN COMPLIED WITH.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-02-20 Hughes 269C accident near North Mankato, MN?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-02-20 involved a Hughes 269C, registration N8955F, operated by Helicopter Flight, Inc., at North Mankato, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FATIQUE FAILURE OF THE TAIL BOOM SUPPORT STRUT ATTACHMENT CLUSTER AND THE IMPROPER INSPECTION OF THE CLUSTER ATTACHMENT.

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