On July 7, 2006, a Hughes 369D (registration N611WA) was involved in an aviation accident near Kihei, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from obstructions, which led to a main rotor blade strike. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an animal control flight, a helicopter's main rotor blades struck a tree while hovering about 15 feet above ground. After a precautionary landing, the aircraft was flown to base where all five blades were found to have substantial damage beyond repair.
Incident
A helicopter was conducting an animal control flight. After the animal was identified and neutralized, the pilot was directed to remove it. The helicopter landed near the animal in a confined area characterized by rolling terrain, thick low trees, high grass, and lava rock outcroppings. While hovering about 15 feet above the ground, the main rotor blades contacted a tree located off to the right rear side of the helicopter. The pilot then repositioned the helicopter approximately 100 feet to another landing site and landed normally.
Aftermath
The pilot reported the main rotor blades strike to the company and awaited the Director of Maintenance (DOM) to assess the damage. The DOM determined that the helicopter could be flown back to home base. After returning to base, maintenance personnel removed and inspected the main rotor blades. All five main rotor blades sustained substantial structural damage. Maintenance personnel referenced the maintenance manual and determined that the dents and depressions in the main rotor blades were beyond serviceable limits and could not be repaired.
