Dec 28, 1993
Accident
Destroyed SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Injuries1 minor
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
A failure of the pilot-in-command to adequately conduct a preflight inspection and properly secure a fuselage cowling panel that struck a tail rotor blade, resulting in a subsequent failure of the tail rotor drive system. Factors in this accident were an in-flight separation of the cowling panel, and the inability of the pilot to effect directional control of the helicopter.
NTSB LAX94LA083