Accidents
Compressor Cracks Cited in Canadian Helo Crash
Rolls-Royce is encouraging operators to upgrade to new forged design
TSB photo of the Hughes 369D crash
© TSB

Fractures in the sixth-stage compressor wheel triggered a catastrophic engine failure and caused the April 2022 fatal crash of a Kestrel Helicopters 1981 Hughes 369D during long-line slinging operations in British Columbia, according to a recently released report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB. The sole-occupant pilot died after sustaining impact forces estimated at 53 gs. He had 13,000 hours in helicopters, 11,000 hours in type, and 6,000 hours slinging cedar blocks.

The helicopter involved had accumulated 11,884 hours. At the time of the accident, the compressor on the occurrence aircraft had 15,404 hours total time in service and was due for overhaul in 353.4 hours. The sixth-stage compressor wheel, which has no life limit, had 6,646.6 hours of total time in service.

Loading…