Accident · 2022-02-09
What the record says
- Event date
- 2022-02-09
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- No injuries
- Aircraft
- HUGHES 369D (N9159F)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- operator not named in the NTSB record
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to bearing failures in the turbine section resulting from a fatigue fracture of the oil supply line that fed oil to the Nos. 6 and 7 bearings. The oil line failure led to rapid deterioration of the bearings from oil starvation. Contributing to the power loss was the installation of a No. 8 stationary seal with an undersized outside diameter, which resulted in a reduction of support for the turbine section rotating components and resulted in high vibration loads in the engine, which ultimately caused the oil supply line to fatigue and fail. Also contributing was the improper or inadequate inspections of the No. 8 stationary seal by maintenance personnel.
Source: NTSB case ERA22LA117Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot pilot flying | Flight instructor / Commercial | Helicopter | 41 | Class 2 (2021-08-30) | 7,958 total · 3,152 in this make/model · 6,520 as PIC · 53 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.