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Sikorsky S-76A Tail Rotor Pitch Control Rod Failure

Vancouver, British Columbia, CA

On June 17, 1998, a Sikorsky S-76A (Helicopter) C-GHJL operated by Helijet Airways Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Vancouver, British Columbia, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tail rotor pitch control rod assembly failed because of high cycle fatigue under service loads probably augmented by the deteriorated condition of the rod end bearing. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Sikorsky S-76A helicopter experienced tail rotor vibrations during landing in Vancouver due to a broken pitch control rod assembly. The failure was attributed to high-cycle fatigue and corrosion, with maintenance documentation gaps contributing to the incident.

Incident Overview and Maintenance Findings On 14 October 1999, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) released its final report on an incident involving a Sikorsky S-76A helicopter, serial number 760214. The aircraft departed Vancouver Harbor helipad at approximately 1238 Pacific Daylight Time with two pilots and eight passengers on board, bound for Vancouver International Airport. During the deceleration phase for landing, the pilot reported a high-frequency vibration in the collective pitch lever. The pilot continued the approach using minimum power, noting a reduction in vibration intensity, and subsequently observed low-intensity vibrations in the tail rotor pedals. A no-hover landing was executed, and the helicopter was taxied to the hangar without further incident or damage. Company maintenance personnel identified the source of the vibrations as a broken tail rotor pitch control rod assembly (Sikorsky part number 76103-05003-041, serial number A063-00899). The component was removed and sent to the TSB Engineering Branch for analysis.

Probable cause

The tail rotor pitch control rod assembly failed because of high cycle fatigue under service loads probably augmented by the deteriorated condition of the rod end bearing. Fatigue was found to be coincident with the stress concentration provided by the thread roots in the presence of corrosion pitting.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1998 Sikorsky S-76A (Helicopter) C-GHJL accident near Vancouver, British Columbia, CA?

A Sikorsky S-76A helicopter experienced tail rotor vibrations during landing in Vancouver due to a broken pitch control rod assembly. The failure was attributed to high-cycle fatigue and corrosion, with maintenance documentation gaps contributing to the incident.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jun 1998 Sikorsky S-76A (Helicopter) C-GHJL accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1998 involved a Sikorsky S-76A (Helicopter) C-GHJL, operated by Helijet Airways Inc., at Vancouver, British Columbia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The tail rotor pitch control rod assembly failed because of high cycle fatigue under service loads probably augmented by the deteriorated condition of the rod end bearing. Fatigue was found to be coincident with the stress concentration provided by the thread roots in the presence of corrosion pitting.

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