Safety Topics: Tail Boom Failure
Abstract
A Hughes 390SH helicopter was to fly from its operating base to its maintenance base for a 50 hour inspection. The forecast for the flight indicated that the intended route would be affected by fog and low stratus. The aircraft flight manual states ‘Use engine antiicing when OAT is below + 5°C and visible moisture conditions prevail’. Another aircraft in the area reported that there was no discernable horizon between the top of the fog layer and the base of the stratocumulus. Visual flight between the layers was possible but reference to flight instruments was required to prevent disorientation. The ground became visible at 350 feet agl on descent in the accident area.
Citation
Mayday (1990), "Safety Topics: Tail Boom Failure", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 62 No. 7, pp. 27-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb036970
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1990, MCB UP Limited