Windward Aviation, Inc.
Also recorded as: WINDWARD AVIATION INC, WINDWARD AVIATION, INC., Windward Aviation, Inc.
Accident & enforcement record
Events that happened, regardless of the operator's own reporting. Each links to its public source.
NTSB accidents & incidents
Operated by WINDWARD AVIATION INC — Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135), Agricultural aircraft (137), Certificate of authorization or waiver (COA) Operator Does Business As: (per NTSB report)
The pilot’s failure to ensure the passenger’s gear was properly secured before departure.
Operated by WINDWARD AVIATION INC — Rotorcraft external load (133), On-demand air taxi (135), Commercial air tour (136), Agricultural aircraft (137), Certificate of authorization or waiver (COA) Operator Does Business As: (per NTSB report)
A partial loss of engine power due to an obstructed fuel line as a result of the separation of the circlip from the pin used on the fuel start pump. The reason for the circlip separation could not be determined based on the available evidence.
the pilot's failure to shut down the engine prior to exiting the helicopter resulting in the tail rotor contacting the ground. A contributing factor was the gusting wind conditions present at the accident site.
FAA enforcement actions
Sanction: $1,000 · case closed 2020-04-16
Sanction: $2,000 · case closed 2014-03-28
Maintenance disclosure history
Service Difficulty Reports are self-reported maintenance findings. The NUMBER of reports is not a measure of reliability — diligent operators file more, not fewer. These are shown for transparency, not as a negative signal. To verify a report, search its control number at the FAA SDRS site.
Reports span 1997–2008. Most-reported systems: Engine (72) — 2. Most-common natures of condition, as filed: ENGINE FLAMEOUT; ENGINE CASE PENETRATION — 1; FLUID LOSS; WARNING INDICATION — 1.
2 reports on file.
Part: TURBINE — DESTROYED (ENGINE)
AIRCRAFT WAS IN A 70 FOOT HOVER AND HAD JUST PLACED A SLING LOAD ON THE GROUND WHEN A LOUD BANG OCCURRED THE LOUD BANG WAS THE TURBINE EXPLODING. AT THIS TIME, THE PILOT LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE AND ENTERED AN AUTO ROTATION. AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE WITH MINOR DAMAGE TO AIRFRAME. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE NR4 TURBINE WHEEL BURST. (K)
Part: O-RING — FAILED (NR 1 ENGINE)
JFK - DURING CLIMB-OUT, CREW NOTICED THE NR 1 ENGINE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON THE ENGINE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ILLUMINATED. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE AND THE OIL QUANTITY GAUGE BOTH INDICATED ZERO. THE CREW SHUT DOWN THE NR 1 ENGINE AND RETURNED TO JFK FOR AN UNEVENTFUL LANDING. MAINTENANCE FOUND THE OIL FILTER HOUSING O-RING WAS BLOWN OUT ALLOWING TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE OIL. AIRCRAFT TO BE TWO-ENGINE FERRIED FROM JFK TO CEF FOR ENGINE CHANGE.
Linked aircraft
| N-number | Make / model | Year | Status | Link basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N114HD | HUGHES HELICOPTERS INC HUGHES 369D | 1978 | Valid Registration | Matched by certificate designator |
| N58251 | HUGHES HELICOPTERS INC HUGHES 369D | 1978 | Valid Registration | Operator named in NTSB report |
| N690WA | HUGHES HELICOPTERS INC HUGHES 369D | 1978 | Valid Registration | Matched by certificate designatorOperator named in NTSB report |
| N809WA | HUGHES HELICOPTERS INC HUGHES 369D | 1979 | Valid Registration | Matched by certificate designator |
| N811WA | HUGHES HELICOPTERS INC HUGHES 369D | 1979 | Valid Registration | Matched by certificate designator |
Aircraft with earlier records under this certificate
Maintenance and accident records on this page also cover aircraft that are not in this operator's current FAA fleet list. Charter and management fleets change — owners switch management companies, sell, or export aircraft. Where the registry shows what became of a tail, it is noted below.
- N58251 (HUGHES HELICOPTERS INC HUGHES 369D) — records 2008–2020 · registered to WINDWARD AVIATION INC (owner ≠ operator)