On July 7, 2006, a Hughes 369D (registration N611WA) was involved in an aviation accident near Kihei, HI. No fatalities were reported. 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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Jul 2006 Hughes 369D accident near Kihei, HI?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jul 2006 Hughes 369D accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jul 2006 involved a Hughes 369D, registration N611WA, at Kihei, HI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from obstructions, which led to a main rotor blade strike.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…
