Jun 7, 1999
Accident
Destroyed PACIFIC OCEAN, PO
Injuries2 minor
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The removal of the tail rotor blade abrasion strips by the use of an unapproved method by the maintenance personnel which resulted in the imbalance of the tail rotor blade assembly and subsequent separation of the 90-degree gear box; the pilot/mechanic's unapproved repair to the tail rotor blade tip caps; and, his continued operation of the helicopter with known deficiencies.
NTSB LAX99LA253