TOK, AK, USA
N9239F
HUGHES 369HS
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING A NON-REVENUE, SLING-LOAD OPERATION ON MT NEUBERER, WHILE DONATING HIS SERVICES TO TOK COMMUNITY TV, INC. HE STATED THAT HE WAS LIFTING THREE EMPTY PROPANE BOTTLES FROM A SNOW FIELD WHEN HE NOTICED THE AUTO RELIGHT LAMP FLASH. HE STATED THAT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE-OUT LIGHT AND HORN ACTIVATED AND THE LOAD MAY HAVE CONTACTED THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FORWARD DESPITE HIS AFT CYCLIC CONTROL INPUT. HE STATED THAT HE PUSHED THE ELECTRIC SLING RELEASE SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD AND DOWN. IT HIT THE GROUND IN A VERTICLE NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE WHILE HE WAS APPLYING ALMOST FULL AFT CYCLIC. THE ELEVATION WAS ABOUT 5800 FT. THE ELECTRIC SLING LOAD LATCH WAS FOUND IN THE CLOSED POSITION. THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED AND CHECKED ON A TEST STAND. SEVERAL HUNG STARTS OCCURRED AT 45 TO 50% UNTIL A SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE TO INCREASE FUEL FLOW, THEN THE ENGINE OPERATED WELL, BUT ABOUT 5% BELOW MAX POWER. PILOT LACKED FAA APPROVAL, EXT LOAD OPN
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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