# NTSB Accident LAX99LA253
> **Hughes 369HS** · 1999-06-07 · PACIFIC OCEAN, PO · MINR
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX99LA253
- **Event ID:** 20001212X19048
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1999-06-07
- **Location:** PACIFIC OCEAN, PO
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** MINR
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 2
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Hughes
- **Model:** 369HS
- **Registration:** N4278M
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX99LA253) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*