Robinson R66 N266CY

Summary

On 1 October 2011 at about 18:55 local time, a Robinson R66 registered N266CY, operated by P P & J LLC, was involved in an accident near Philip, South Dakota, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 October 2011 at 18:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Philip, South Dakota, United States

Coordinates

44.0178, -101.6344

Aircraft

Robinson R66

Registration

N266CY

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2011

Engines

1

Operator

P P & J LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Gillette → Winner

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN12FA001

1 person died.

The in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was on a cross-country flight when it experienced a separation of the main rotor mast 8 inches below the teeter bolt, and the main rotor blade assembly separated from the flying helicopter. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted terrain and a postimpact fire ensued. Examination of the mast revealed fracture features consistent with overload failure and mechanical damage indicative of mast bumping. An examination of the airframe, engine, and remaining systems revealed no preimpact anomalies. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to the amount of thermal damage to the wreckage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.