On September 24, 1994, a Hughes 369D (registration N58400) operated by Caribbean Fishing Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, PO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the helicopter's main rotor pitch change link (control rod). The helicopter was not recovered and the Safety Board was unable to determine the pitch change link's failure mode. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot conducting a fish spotting flight over the Pacific Ocean experienced violent cyclic control shaking, executed an autorotation, and landed on floats. Before sinking, a pitch change link was observed hanging from the swash plate. The helicopter was not recovered.
Introduction
A helicopter pilot was engaged in a fish spotting mission over the Pacific Ocean when a mechanical anomaly occurred. The aircraft was flying at approximately 480 feet above sea level when the cyclic control began to shake violently in the pilot's hand.
Event Details
The pilot managed to regain control of the helicopter and initiated an autorotation. During the descent, the pilot observed that the main rotor blades' track was above its normal tip path plane. The helicopter successfully landed on its floats on the ocean surface.
Post-Landing Observations
Before the helicopter began to sink, the pilot noted a yellow-coded pitch change link (control rod) hanging from the swash plate. The helicopter subsequently sank into the ocean and was not recovered.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Sept 1994 Hughes 369D accident near Pacific Ocean, PO?
A pilot conducting a fish spotting flight over the Pacific Ocean experienced violent cyclic control shaking, executed an autorotation, and landed on floats. Before sinking, a pitch change link was observed hanging from the swash plate. The helicopter was not recovered.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Sept 1994 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N58400, operated by Caribbean Fishing Co., at Pacific Ocean, PO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the helicopter's main rotor pitch change link (control rod). The helicopter was not recovered and the Safety Board was unable to determine the pitch change link's failure mode.
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