Jan 17, 2003
Accident
Substantial McMurdo Station
Injuries2 serious
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR PUBU
Probable Cause
The pilot's continued operation of the helicopter with an unstable external load, which resulted in damage to the cargo hook assembly, adjacent throttle controls, and subsequent loss of engine power, precipitating an emergency descent and impact with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the load oscillations, and the separation of the fuel crossover lines.
NTSB ANC03GA023