What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-02-14 involved a Hughes 369HS, registration N717ST, at Pacific Ocean, PO.

Helicopter Sinks After Ocean Swell Capsizes It During Precautionary Landing (N717ST)

On February 14, 2000, a Hughes 369HS (registration N717ST) was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, PO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An unknown mechanical malfunction that resulted in a precautionary landing at sea and the subsequent sinking of the helicopter by an ocean swell. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A helicopter conducting its third flight of the day from a fishing vessel experienced a grinding cyclic control and loud bang at 100 feet. After a precautionary landing, an ocean swell overturned the helicopter, causing it to sink. The pilot and observer were rescued uninjured.

Incident Overview

A helicopter, on its third flight of the day, encountered a mechanical issue shortly after departing from a fishing vessel. At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the pilot reported a grinding sensation in the cyclic control followed by a loud bang. The pilot executed a precautionary landing.

Capsizing and Loss

After the helicopter had landed on the water, it was struck by an ocean swell. The impact caused the helicopter to roll over and subsequently sink. No further details on the condition of the aircraft were provided.

Rescue

The pilot and an observer were recovered from the water by the crew of the fishing vessel. Both individuals were reported to be uninjured.

Pilot Background

The pilot, who was foreign, did not hold a valid U.S. flight certificate. No other details regarding the pilot's qualifications or the helicopter's registration and type were disclosed.

2000-02-14: Hughes 369HS (N717ST) — Pacific Ocean, PO