What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-08-19 involved a Bell 412, registration N22347, at South Pass 65.

Tail Rotor Gearbox Failure Prompts Water Landing (N22347)

On August 19, 2004, a Bell 412 (registration N22347) was involved in an aviation accident near South Pass 65. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reason for the failure and separation of the tail rotor gearbox could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A co-pilot with 11,750 hours experienced a loud bang and loss of tail rotor control, leading to a 30-degree yaw and nose tuck. The co-pilot performed an autorotation to the water and deployed emergency floats. The cause of the gearbox failure could not be determined.

Incident Overview

During a flight, the co-pilot, who had accumulated 11,750 hours of flying experience, heard a loud bang. Immediately following the bang, the aircraft experienced a loss of tail rotor control. This resulted in a 30-degree yaw to the right and a 15-20 degree nose tuck. The co-pilot responded by reducing power and initiating an autorotation to the water. Shortly before touchdown, the emergency floats were successfully deployed.

Technical Details

The tail rotor gearbox failed and separated from the aircraft. An investigation was conducted to determine the reason for the failure and separation. However, the cause could not be identified. The exact nature of the failure remains undetermined.

Subsequent Actions

The co-pilot's actions during the emergency sequence were critical in managing the descent and ensuring the floats were deployed in time for the water landing. The aircraft performed the autorotation without further reported issues.

Probable cause

The reason for the failure and separation of the tail rotor gearbox could not be determined.

2004-08-19: Bell 412 (N22347) — South Pass 65