Aug 29, 1997
Accident
Substantial DAYVILLE, OR
Injuries1 serious
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
Improper installation of the transmission door by a company mechanic, resulting in inflight separation of the door (which then struck the tail rotor system) and consequent total loss of the tail rotor. Contributing to the accident were: inadequate recordkeeping by a company mechanic, and attainment of proper descent rate for the forced landing touchdown was not possible.
NTSB SEA97LA198