Accident MD Helicopters MD530F (369FF) N67FF, Friday 1 May 2009

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Date:	Friday 1 May 2009
Time:	14:15 LT
Type:	MD Helicopters MD530F (369FF)
Owner/operator:	Summit Helicopter Inc
Registration:	N67FF
MSN:	0067FF
Year of manufacture:	1989
Total airframe hrs:	1645 hours
Engine model:	Allison C30
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Santa Clarita, California - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Cargo
Departure airport:	Santa Clarita, CA
Destination airport:	Santa Clarita, CA
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot reported that he was maneuvering the helicopter about 10 feet above a reservoir in an attempt to use its rotor wash to propel an object to the shore. During this maneuver, the helicopter's long-line and attached grappling hook were submerged in the water. With the helicopter moving at low speed about 10 feet from the shoreline, the grappling hook became temporarily ensnared on an underwater obstruction and the helicopter made a rapid and violent turn. The pilot initiated emergency procedures and maneuvered the helicopter toward the shore. It touched down on uneven terrain with the left skid on dry land and the right skid in the water. Examination of the helicopter revealed that there was a torsional fracture and separation of the tail rotor drive shaft as a result of the tail rotor blades contacting the water. No anomalies with the main rotor controls were found.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude as a result of the helicopter's grappling hook temporarily becoming ensnared with an underwater obstruction.

Accident investigation: