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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Tail Rotor Struck by Cargo Net During Hover (N4943T)

Kaneohe, HI, US

On June 7, 1994, a Hughes 369D (registration N4943T) operated by Cherry Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kaneohe, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the operator's and pilot's failure to ensure that the cargo net containing empty paper bags was sufficiently ballasted to prevent it from flying up into the tail rotor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While lifting construction supplies, a helicopter experienced a tail rotor strike when the cargo net flew upward during a hover. The tail rotor assembly separated, leading to a hard landing after autorotation.

Accident Description

A helicopter was engaged in lifting construction supplies to a power line tower in a mountainous area. During the accident flight segment, the helicopter had delivered a load of dry cement in a cargo net and was returning to the staging area with the empty paper bags still in the cargo net.

Sequence of Events

As the helicopter established a 20-foot hover at the staging area, the cargo net flew upward and struck the tail rotor. The impact caused the tail rotor assembly and gear box to separate from the tail boom. Subsequently, the helicopter began to spin.

Outcome

The pilot lowered the collective to initiate an autorotation, and the helicopter landed hard. No further details were provided in the source.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 1994 Hughes 369D accident near Kaneohe, HI?

While lifting construction supplies, a helicopter experienced a tail rotor strike when the cargo net flew upward during a hover. The tail rotor assembly separated, leading to a hard landing after autorotation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 1994 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N4943T, operated by Cherry Helicopters, Inc., at Kaneohe, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the operator's and pilot's failure to ensure that the cargo net containing empty paper bags was sufficiently ballasted to prevent it from flying up into the tail rotor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01560. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.