Accident · 2003-10-16

NTSB case LAX04TA017 · MD Helicopter 900 · PUBU

What the record says

Event date: 2003-10-16
Event type: Accident
Highest injury level: No injuries
Aircraft: MD Helicopter 900 (N179PA)
Operating rule: PUBU
Operator: National Park Service Operator named in NTSB report
Operated by (per NTSB report): National Park Service

Probable cause

the pilot's in-flight loss of control due to the fatigue fracture and separation of the force limiting control rod (an integral part of the anti-torque system), which resulted in the helicopter's uncommanded yaw/spin and subsequent collision with terrain.

Source: NTSB case LAX04TA017

Flight crew

Flight-crew details for this event aren't in the NTSB database extract we hold (its coverage starts with 2008 events) — a gap in our data, not an absence of crew.

Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.

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