Accident Details
On August 31, 2019, at approximately 2217 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registration N54528, sustained substantial damage when it impacted water near Asotin, Washington. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he and his passenger departed from a private residence near the Snake River in dark night conditions. Shortly after lift-off, the helicopter yawed severely to the left. Despite applying full right anti-torque pedal, the helicopter subsequently impacted the water. The pilot and passenger egressed the helicopter, which then sank, and were rescued shortly thereafter. The pilot stated that the helicopter experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and that the accident was not due to any action he took incorrectly.
Mechanic's Findings
The mechanic who repaired the helicopter after the accident reported that the aft tail rotor drive flex coupling had sheared. He also noted that none of the four tail rotor blades were damaged during the accident sequence.
Investigation Outcome
No follow-up examination of the helicopter was performed, and the reason for the loss of control could not be determined.