# NTSB investigations: Rotor failure/malfunction NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. ## Latest cases - [NTSB DFW07LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07LA197.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Fort Stockton, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2007 · N993KC · Substantial damage > The failure of the v-belt drive system to the main rotor for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was insufficient altitude to perform a successful autorotation. - [NTSB MIA07FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA07FA116.md): Eurocopter EC 130 B4 · New York, NY · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2007 · N453AE · Substantial damage > The fatigue fracture and in-flight separation of a 20-inch section of the blue composite main rotor blade trailing edge, aft of the spar, due to inadequate manufacture, and the manufacturer’s subsequent failure to detect an out-of-specification deviation in… - [NTSB DFW06LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06LA093.md): Sikorsky S-76A · Houston, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 2006 · N8063R · Substantial damage > The failure by maintenance personnel to secure the tail rotor driveshaft cowling after performing maintenance which resulted in a loss of tail rotor control. A contributing factor was the pilot's improper preflight inspection of the tail rotor driveshaft area. - [NTSB DFW06CA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA055.md): Bell 47-B3 · Dennison, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 13, 2006 · N1575 · Substantial damage > The in-flight separation of the stabilizer bar tube. - [NTSB LAX05FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA229.md): Eurocopter AS350BA · Kapaau, HI · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2005 · N4064F · Substantial damage > the in-flight separation of the tail rotor system as a result of a loss of clamp force and fatigue fracturing of the attachment nut plates. The cause of the loss of clamp force was likely due to an inadvertent tail rotor blade strike during the previous… - [NTSB DFW05CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA163.md): CarterCopter CarterCopter · Olney, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 17, 2005 · N121CC · Substantial damage > The pilot's inability to maintain control of the gyrocraft during a forced landing as a result of a loss of cyclic and collective control. Contributing factors were the sheared propeller drive pulley bolts, broken wire on the co-pilots cyclic boost control… - [NTSB SEA05FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05FA019.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Arlington, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 2004 · N4029Q · Destroyed > The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, resulting in rotor contact with the aircraft's left windscreen. The failure of the door pins to be installed was a factor. - [NTSB FTW04IA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04IA217.md): Bell 412 · South Pass 65 · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2004 · N22347 · Minor damage > The failure and separation of the tail rotor gearbox for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB IAD04LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD04LA013.md): Schweizer 269C · Media, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2004 · N75070 · Substantial damage > A lack of previous lubrication to the tail rotor drive shaft forward fitting teeth, which resulted in their gradual wear, the eventual slippage of the shaft, and the subsequent loss of tailrotor thrust and forced landing. - [NTSB SEA04LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA043.md): Garlick UH-1H · Liberty, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2004 · N6257P · Substantial damage > The failure of the tail rotor slider lugs due to fatigue while the helicopter was maneuvering. - [NTSB SEA04LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA018.md): Bell 47G-3B-2 · Monmouth, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2003 · N7825S · Substantial damage > Fatigue failure of a tail rotor blade during hover operations. - [NTSB FTW04TA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04TA012.md): Hughes OH-6A · Eagle Pass, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Oct 7, 2003 · N8524Z · Substantial damage > The failure of the aft segment of the tail rotor drive shaft for undertermined reasons. A contibuting factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the foced landing. - [NTSB CHI03LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA217.md): Enstrom F-28C · Waverly, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2003 · N51699 · Substantial damage > The main rotor blade push-pull rods being corroded, sustaining fatigue, and separating in cruise and the main rotor blade contacting the tail boom during the emergency landing. Factors were the diminished aircraft control and the vibrations encountered during… - [NTSB FTW03TA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03TA156.md): Bell 407 · Franklin, LA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 19, 2003 · N991SP · Substantial damage > The loss of tail rotor effectiveness due to the inadequate maintenance performed by other company personnel. - [NTSB FTW03LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA104.md): Bell 206L-3 · Kingsland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2003 · N793CA · Substantial damage > The loss of tail rotor drive as a result of a blanket coming in contract with the tailrotor blades, after the aft cargo door was left unsecured. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the failure of the medical… - [NTSB CHI03LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA006.md): Wolf Rotorway Exec-162F · Gregory, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2002 · N1955Z · Substantial damage > Failure of the secondary drive shaft, which resulted in a complete loss of power to the main rotor, and a high forward airspeed on touchdown, causing the helicopter to flip forward. - [NTSB LAX02FA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02FA276.md): Bell 222U · Nipton, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2002 · N417MA · Destroyed > The main rotor blade separation while maneuvering for unknown reasons. A factor was the dark night condition. - [NTSB CHI02TA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02TA239.md): Hughes 369A · Springfield, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Aug 7, 2002 · N98MP · Substantial damage > Overload failure of the tail rotor transmission housing (gearbox) for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inability to adequately control the aircraft. - [NTSB ATL02LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02LA044.md): Hiller UH12E · Miami, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2002 · N103HA · Substantial damage > Fatigue cracking in the main rotor hub that resulted in the separation of the main rotor system. A factor was corrosive deposits on the exposed portion of the plate set pin. - [NTSB NYC02TA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02TA026.md): Bell 407 · Whitley City, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Nov 12, 2001 · N11HX · Substantial damage > The pilots decision to operate the helicopter at an airspeed in excess of the maximum demonstrated stable airspeed for the water bucket. A factor in the accident was the pilot did not follow the published emergency procedure. - [NTSB NYC01LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA168.md): Bell 206B · Secaucus, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2001 · N3298G · Substantial damage > Under torque of a Thomas coupling self-locking nut for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of the corresponding retaining bolt, and subsequent separation of tail rotor drive shaft segments. A factor was the unsuitable terrain beneath the pilot… - [NTSB CHI01LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA162.md): Giackino Exec 162F · Manistique, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2001 · N556DG · Substantial damage > The contamination of the main rotor drive belts causing them to slip. Factors were the low altitude, unsuitable terrain for the forced landing, and the water. - [NTSB FTW01LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA124.md): Robinson R22 · Raymondville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 18, 2001 · N7087X · Substantial damage > the failure of the main rotor drive belts while maneuvering which resulted in a loss of main rotor drive. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. - [NTSB CHI01LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA141.md): Parker Rotorway 162F · Minneapolis, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 2001 · N311RM · Substantial damage > The tail rotor drive belt coming off in cruise flight and it not being possible for the student pilot to maintain aircraft control during the emergency landing attempt. Factors relating to the accident were the loose bearing in the secondary drive unit to the… - [NTSB FTW01LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA087.md): Bell 47G2 · Ardmore, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2001 · N1575 · Substantial damage > the loss of tail rotor control during maneuvering resultant from the failure of the tail rotor drive shaft coupling due to a stripped thread which allowed the grease lubricating the shaft to leak out. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced… - [NTSB DEN01LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA067.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Buffalo, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2001 · N144MB · Substantial damage > failure of the rotor drive system clutch assembly which rendered the aircraft uncontrollable. - [NTSB DEN01TA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01TA019.md): Hughes 369D · Montrose, CO · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Dec 6, 2000 · N411SM · Destroyed > the foreign object damage to a main rotor blade, while maneuvering. - [NTSB LAX00FA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA306.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Watsonville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2000 · N8313Z · Destroyed > The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in mast bumping and rotor contact with the fuselage. - [NTSB FTW00LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA105.md): Schweizer 300C · New Ulm, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2000 · N698SM · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate in-flight evaluation of the landing area, which resulted in the separation of the main rotor system as a result of foreign object damage. - [NTSB FTW99FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA192.md): MBB BK-117-B2 · Fresno, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1999 · N110HH · Destroyed > the loss of control during approach due to the corrosion of the T-T strap which resulted in fatigue cracking and subsequent separation of the strap and main rotor blade from the helicopter. - [NTSB FTW99LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA162.md): Bell 412 · Eugene Is. 313 · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1999 · N3893S · Substantial damage > The separation of a section of the tail rotor blade, and subsequent separation of the tail rotor system, as a result of fatigue cracking due to corrosion in the tail rotor blade spar. - [NTSB LAX98TA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98TA278.md): Aerospatiale SA316B · Porterville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 27, 1998 · N605RA · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate in-flight clearance between the bucket and trees resulting in the entanglement/separation of the long line and subsequent impact with and separation of the tail rotor assembly. A factor was the trees. - [NTSB CHI98FA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA313.md): Hiller FH-1100 · Dewitt, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1998 · N8171U · Destroyed > The rotor failure/malfunction due to debonding of the tail rotor blade. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance inspection of the aircraft by the company and the improper maintenance procedure by other maintenance personnel. - [NTSB IAD98FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA092.md): Austin Revolution Mini 500 · Northampton, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1998 · N2XK · Destroyed > the improper maintenance adjustment and the failure to properly torque the pitch-change link barrel by the owner/builder which resulted in main rotor to tailboom contact and main rotor separation. - [NTSB SEA98LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA160.md): McDonnell Douglas 369D · Oso, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1998 · N1096L · Substantial damage > The separation of the 90 degree gearbox and tail rotor assembly for undetermined reasons followed by the inability of the pilot-in-command to maintain control of the rotorcraft. - [NTSB LAX98FA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA236.md): Sikorsky CH-54A · Yucca Valley, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1998 · N64KL · Destroyed > An in-flight main rotor blade spar separation as a result of the pilot-in-command's decision to continue to fly the aircraft after it had failed an AD directed BIM check. Factors were the failure of the operator's chief pilot to maintain proper supervision… - [NTSB SEA98LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA124.md): Hiller UH-12E · Eltopia, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1998 · N5360V · Destroyed > Fatigue of the control rotor blade spar and failure of the maintenance inspector to follow the procedures set forth in the airworthiness directive. - [NTSB ATL98LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA065.md): Schweizer 269C · San Juan, PR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 1998 · N61193 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to adequately secure the cargo strap which became entangled in the tail rotor, leading to a loss of the tail rotor control. This was followed by an improperly executed emergency procedure and an in-flight collision with the ground. A… - [NTSB LAX98GA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98GA127.md): Bell 205A-1 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Final report · Mar 23, 1998 · N90230 · Destroyed > An excessive bending load applied to the tail rotor blade assembly of an undetermined origin which produced a fatigue crack, the separation of the assembly, and a forced landing. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain to perform a forced landing, the… - [NTSB SEA97LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA117.md): Hiller UH-12E · Miltonfreewater, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1997 · N3005J · Substantial damage > The main rotor blade separated due to fatigue. Factors were: an Airworthiness Directive was not properly performed, and inadequate inspection of the main rotor blades. - [NTSB MIA97LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA099.md): Bell UH-1B · Labelle, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 1997 · N70696 · Destroyed > Company maintenance personnel's failure to properly evaluate a main rotor system problem resulting in main rotor straps with multiple laminates separated due to fatigue cracking being allowed to continue in service until failure and separation of a main rotor… - [NTSB FTW96LA386](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA386.md): Bell 206L-1/C-30P · Morgan City, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1996 · N2654 · Substantial damage > The loss of tail rotor control as result of a tail rotor blade strike by an undetermined object. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. - [NTSB LAX96LA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA315.md): Bell 47-G4A · Guam · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1996 · N474GA · Destroyed > loss of tail rotor control due to improper maintenance. - [NTSB IAD96LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA094.md): Rotorway Exec 152 · Gretna, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 1996 · N7182Z · Destroyed > failure of the bearing assembly shaft insert inside the main rotor shaft. Related factors are the jammed rotorcraft flight control which restricted the pilot's ability to control the helicopter and resulted in a hard touchdown. - [NTSB CHI95FA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95FA320.md): Bell 230 · Ann Arbor, MI · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 1995 · N232UM · Substantial damage > the manufacturer's inadequate quality control which led to a fatigue failure of the tail rotor blade. - [NTSB LAX95TA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95TA328.md): Mcdonnell Douglas 369D · Pearl City, HI · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Sep 8, 1995 · N58388 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to secure his cargo/personal belongings which departed from the aircraft and struck the tail rotor. - [NTSB FTW95LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA303.md): Bell 206B · West Cameron · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1995 · N57536 · Substantial damage > The disconnect of the tail rotor drive system for undetermined reasons. Factors were the pilot's inability to maintain directional control, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. - [NTSB LAX95FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA225.md): Hughes 369D · Highland, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1995 · N1089N · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to verify the security of his passenger's cargo/personal belongings which departed the aircraft striking the tailrotor. - [NTSB LAX94LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA285.md): Hughes 369HS · Gilbert Islands (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1994 · N9242F · Substantial damage > An in flight failure and separation of the tail rotor for undetermined reasons. ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 132) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=132 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.