On June 15, 1993, a Sikorsky S-76A (registration N110AL) operated by Southern Company Services, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Cullman, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO PROPERLY INSPECT THE TAIL ROTOR CONTROL CABLE AT THE LAST 750 HOUR INSPECTION, AND THE SUBSEQUENT TOTAL FAILURE OF THE CABLE DUE TO WEAR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise flight, a helicopter experienced a right yaw and loss of left anti-torque pedal control after a snapping sound. The pilot performed a run-on landing at Birmingham Airport; inspection revealed a failed tail rotor cable due to severe wire wear.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during cruise flight at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL), a 'snap' sound was heard, and the helicopter yawed about 30 degrees to the right. The pilot observed that the left anti-torque pedal was inoperative. Directional control was maintained by adjusting engine power.
Landing and Post-Flight Inspection
The pilot performed a run-on landing at Birmingham Airport. After landing, the helicopter was towed from the runway. An inspection of the helicopter revealed that the left tail rotor cable assembly had failed in the vicinity of a pulley. A metallurgical examination indicated that the cable failed due to severe wear of the individual wires of the cable strands.
Maintenance History
The cable had been inspected 521 hours prior to the incident. The maintenance manual dictates that cable inspections be performed at every 750-hour inspection. The cable was original equipment on this helicopter and had accumulated 4,110 total hours.
What happened in the 15 Jun 1993 Sikorsky S-76A accident near Cullman, AL?
During cruise flight, a helicopter experienced a right yaw and loss of left anti-torque pedal control after a snapping sound. The pilot performed a run-on landing at Birmingham Airport; inspection revealed a failed tail rotor cable due to severe wire wear.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jun 1993 Sikorsky S-76A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jun 1993 involved a Sikorsky S-76A, registration N110AL, operated by Southern Company Services, Inc, at Cullman, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO PROPERLY INSPECT THE TAIL ROTOR CONTROL CABLE AT THE LAST 750 HOUR INSPECTION, AND THE SUBSEQUENT TOTAL FAILURE OF THE CABLE DUE TO WEAR.
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