Casualties unknown

1994-10-30: Kaman HH-43F (N90944) — Skyhook, Inc. — Willits, CA

Willits, CA, US

On October 30, 1994, a Kaman HH-43F (registration N90944) operated by Skyhook, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Willits, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations resulting in fuel exhaustion. The hilly terrain was a factor in this accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N90944
Aircraft registered N90944. Photo: Midway Historians / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A helicopter returning from logging operations suffered an engine flameout. The pilot executed a successful autorotation onto a hillside, but the helicopter rolled down the hill after landing and struck a tree. Wreckage examination showed no fuel in the engine system and no preexisting malfunctions.

Incident

The pilot had completed a series of logging operations and was en route back to the landing site. During this return flight, the engine experienced a flameout. In response, the pilot performed an autorotation, which resulted in a successful landing on the side of a hill.

Post-Landing Sequence

Following the touchdown on the hillside, the helicopter did not remain stationary. Instead, it began to roll down the incline. The rolling motion continued until the helicopter collided with a tree, which halted its descent.

Wreckage Examination

A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted. The inspection disclosed that there was no evidence of any fuel within the engine fuel system. Furthermore, the examination found no indications of any preexisting malfunctions or failures in the helicopter's systems.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02480. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.