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.
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.