Apr 3, 2004
Accident
Substantial Bakersfield, CA
Injuries1 serious
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 137
Probable Cause
a loss of tail rotor drive due to a disconnection of the drive shaft's splined coupling at the tail rotor gear box. The splined coupling to tail rotor gear box disconnection occurred as a result of tail boom flexing due to the combined effects of an uninstalled structural support tube and a crack in left side frame tubes. Inadequate maintenance inspection was a factor.
NTSB LAX04LA176