CLARKSVILLE, TN, USA
N46884
BELL UH-1B
THE PILOT LOST TAIL ROTOR CONTROL IN CRUISE FLIGHT AFTER THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT SEPARATED. THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM HAD SUSTAINED PREVIOUS DAMAGE ABOUT 4 YEARS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT WHEN, WHILE BEING OPERATED AS A PUBLIC USE AIRCRAFT, THE HELICOPTER SKIDDED OFF A PORTABLE LANDING PAD. THE AIRCRAFT RECORDS SHOWED NO MAINTENANCE OR INSPECTIONS SINCE THAT PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM. THE PUBLIC USE AGENCY HAD ELECTED NOT TO REPAIR THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD THE HELICOPTER TO AN AIRCRAFT DEALER.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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