Jul 14, 2005
Accident
Substantial Valparaiso, IN
InjuriesNone
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 135
Probable Cause
The loose tail rotor drive shaft coupling due to its improper installation by the operator's maintenance personnel, which resulted in the failure of the tail rotor drive shaft. An additional cause was the inability of the pilot to maintain control of the helicopter in the hover following the drive shaft failure.
NTSB CHI05FA192