You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Saturday 28 January 2017 |
| Time: | 07:59 |
| Type: |  Robinson R44 II |
| Owner/operator: | |
| Registration: | ZK-HXR |
| MSN: | 12668 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Mahoenui -
 New Zealand
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Unknown |
| Departure airport: | |
| Investigating agency: | CAA NZ |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities |
During the initial climb, the pilot observed that one of the two strops securing an external load of fence posts had slipped. One of the fence posts then fell from the centre of the bundle. The pilot initiated a descent to place the remaining load on the ground. During the approach, more fence posts slipped from the remaining strop and the pilot jettisoned the load. After the load released, the pilot felt an impact in the rear of the helicopter and identified a loss of tail rotor authority. The pilot executed an emergency descent and landing, during which the helicopter rolled and was destroyed. The engineering investigation found that the strop had wrapped around the tail rotor pitch links after being jettisoned. Following the incident, the company created a requirement for pilots conducting external load operations to be briefed by a pilot who had attended a CAA-provided load rigging course. Additional controls were implemented in company lifting procedures, including strop selection, rigging, and personal protective equipment use. Refresher training on external load rigging and lifting was also conducted.
Sources:
CAA NZ Occurrence 17/289
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 03-May-2025 18:27 | ASN | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation