SERS · Bell 212 · 2003-01-17 · McMurdo Station, AY
Event
NTSB number
ANC03GA023
Event ID
20030127X00113
Type
Accident
Date
2003-01-17
Location
McMurdo Station, AY
Coordinates
-77.833335, 166.600006
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
2
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
Bell
Model
212
Registration
N1079U
FAR Part
PUBU
Engines
2
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's continued operation of the helicopter with an unstable external load, which resulted in damage to the cargo hook assembly, adjacent throttle controls, and subsequent loss of engine power, precipitating an emergency descent and impact with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the load oscillations, and the separation of the fuel crossover lines.