Executive summary
On Monday 4 June 2001 at about 1715, ZK-HJH, a Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopter, was approaching Taumarunui when it was seen to enter a turn and fall to the ground, killing the 3 occupants. The helicopter was observed to break up as it descended.
[The report on this investigation was published on 13 December 2001. Following receipt of further information from the NZ CAA on 7 February 2003 regarding 2 other Iroquios accidents with apparently similar tail rotor damage, the Commission resumed its investigation into the causes and circumstances of this accident. See investigation 01-005R. Copies of the original report 01-005 are not available in case there is a need to amend that report.]
Related Recommendations
Review the operation of the aircraft technical log to ensure critical information is duplicated and held separately from the log, possibly with the aircraft’s maintenance documents.
Ensure the New Zealand airworthiness directive schedule specifies applicable airworthiness directives called up in the ex-military type certificates data sheets.
Educate licensed aircraft engineers who are holders of an Inspection Authorisation, particularly those maintaining ex-military aircraft, on airworthiness directives and the requirement for the aircraft to conform to its type certificate.