Final Report: Maintenance Flaws Led to Fatal Helicopter Crash | Aviation International News

Final Report: Maintenance Flaws Led to Fatal Helicopter Crash

Eurocopter AS 350BA, Princeville, Hawaii, March 8, 2007–The NTSB has blamed the fatal crash on the failure of maintenance personnel to properly tighten the

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

October 2, 2009

Eurocopter AS 350BA, Princeville, Hawaii, March 8, 2007–The NTSB has blamed the fatal crash on the failure of maintenance personnel to properly tighten the flight control servo lower attachment clevis and reinstall a functioning lock washer, which resulted in a flight control disconnect and complete loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to ensure its maintenance program was being executed in accordance with federal regulations.

The helicopter was returning from a 45-minute tour when the pilot reported he was having “hydraulic problems.” According to a witness, the helicopter slowed over the Princeville airport runway at an altitude of less than 10 feet before its nose dropped and it crashed.

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