Helicopter rolls on side following ground resonance

Casualties unknown • Van Nuys, CA, US

A helicopter experienced ground resonance after landing, leading to a structural failure of the landing gear and causing the aircraft to roll onto its side.

What happened

After touching down lightly on its landing gear system, the helicopter encountered ground resonance. This caused the aircraft to begin oscillating from side to side. The oscillations continued until one side of the helicopter's landing gear structure failed, resulting in the aircraft rolling onto its side.

The investigation

Investigators found that the four landing gear dampers and two main rotor dampers were out of limits. This accident flight occurred immediately following a 50-hour inspection.

Findings

During the 50-hour inspection, the landing gear dampers should have been checked for proper extension. Additionally, the pilot is responsible for checking both the landing gear and main rotor dampers during preflight preparations.

Probable cause

The occurrence of ground resonance following a light touchdown, involving landing gear and main rotor dampers that were found to be out of limits.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-03-16 Hughes 269A accident near Van Nuys, CA?

A helicopter experienced ground resonance after landing, leading to a structural failure of the landing gear and causing the aircraft to roll onto its side.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-03-16 involved a Hughes 269A, registration N8873F, at Van Nuys, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The occurrence of ground resonance following a light touchdown, involving landing gear and main rotor dampers that were found to be out of limits.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03146. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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