On December 6, 2000, a Hughes 369D (registration N411SM) was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the foreign object damage to a main rotor blade, while maneuvering. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter conducting a deer netting operation experienced violent shaking, a loud bang, and rolled onto its left side after landing. Postaccident inspection revealed main rotor blade damage matching a missing net weight.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was engaged in an animal capture program when the pilot reported a sudden onset of violent shaking. According to the pilot, the event occurred while the net-gunner had deployed a net over a deer. At the time, the helicopter was approximately 10 feet above the ground. The pilot landed the aircraft with a forward speed of 10 to 15 knots.
Sequence of Events
After touching down, the helicopter slid for approximately 10 feet. The pilot then heard a loud bang, and the aircraft rolled to the right and forward. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The right landing skid was found broken.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the helicopter's main rotor blades revealed that one blade had leading edge damage. The damage pattern corresponded in size to a missing net weight from the capture equipment.
Damage Summary
The helicopter sustained damage including a broken right landing skid and main rotor blade leading edge damage. The aircraft came to rest on its left side.