Accidents
Preliminary Report: Air Tour Helo Loses Tail Rotor
McDonnell Douglas MD-369FF, Haena, Hawaii, March 11, 2007–The Inter-Island Helicopters MD-369 was destroyed and a passenger was killed when the helicopter

McDonnell Douglas MD-369FF, Haena, Hawaii, March 11, 2007–The Inter-Island Helicopters MD-369 was destroyed and a passenger was killed when the helicopter crashed into trees during a sightseeing tour. In cruise, the tail-rotor output shaft and the tail-rotor blades separated from the tail-rotor gearbox and fell into the ocean. The pilot autorotated to a campground near the beach.

The pilot, who was not injured, said he thoroughly inspected the helicopter before his first flight. After two flights to a waterfall, he conducted a post-flight inspection “as we always do.” During both flights, the helicopter operated normally and the pilot noted no unusual vibrations. 

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