Probable cause
The piece of wood/tree that contacted the main rotor blade during the low altitude tree-trimming flight.
NTSB analysis
The purpose of the helicopter flight was to trim trees using an external load aerial power saw. The pilot stated that as he was trimming the trees, he saw a 6 to 8 inch piece of wood/tree flying upward on the left side of the helicopter. He stated he felt a momentary vibration as the wood contacted one of the main rotor blades, then everything returned to “normal.” The pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field without further incident. The damage to the main rotor blade was substantial and required replacement of the blade.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA281 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Camdenton, Missouri
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369D
- N-number
- N725M
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- External load
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.