AO-1993-013 Mil Mi-8T YS-1005P, went out of control and main rotor severed tailboom while in cruise flight, near Hokitika, 16 October 1993

Aviation

Published date: 5 October 1994
Accident/Incident date: 16 October 1993
Status: Published
Jurisdiction: New Zealand

Executive summary

On 16 October 1993, MIL MI-8T helicopter YS-1005P, went out of control and broke up while in cruise flight. An uncommanded yaw led to a pitch excursion severe enough for the main rotor to strike and sever the tail boom. The helicopter's three occupants were killed in the accident. The precise cause of the uncommanded yaw could not be determined.