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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 4, 2002 · Bell 206L-3 · N227H

Tulsa, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 4, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tulsa, OK
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N227H
Operator
Action Helicopter Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA089

The local flight was en route to the company helipad for fuel when the engine lost power approximately 300 yards short of the helipad. During an autorotation to a road, the pilot had to execute an evasive maneuver to avoid a vehicle. Subsequently, at 10 feet agl, the main rotor blades struck 1.5 inch-diameter tree branches. The main rotor RPM decreased, the helicopter landed hard on the road, and the main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom. The pilot estimated 300 pounds of fuel was on board at the time of the accident. During the inspection of the helicopter, the engine was started and test run to idle speed, and no anomalies were noted. The fuel nozzle and fuel filters were inspected, and no anomalies were noted. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On March 4, 2002, at 1235 central standard time, a Bell 206L-3 single-engine helicopter, N227H, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a road following a total loss of engine power while on approach to a company helipad near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by Tulsa Security Patrol Inc., d.b.a. Action Helicopter Services of Tulsa. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. The flight originated from Tulsa's Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport, approximately 1230, and was en route to the company helipad. The pilot reported that the flight was en route to the helipad for fuel when the engine lost power approximately 300 yards short of the helipad. During an autorotation to a road, the pilot had to execute an evasive maneuver to avoid a vehicle. Subsequently, at 10 feet agl, the main rotor blades struck 1.5 inch-diameter tree branches. The main rotor RPM decreased, the helicopter landed hard on the road, and the main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom. The pilot estimated 300 pounds of fuel was on board at the time of the accident. On March 14, 2002, at a facility in Tulsa, an FAA inspector, the operator's director of maintenance, and the pilot examined the helicopter. Prior to the FAA inspector's arrival, the main rotor blades and main rotor mast had been removed. During the inspection, the engine was started and test run to idle speed, and no anomalies were noted. The fuel nozzle and fuel filters were inspected, and no anomalies were noted. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:35 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN227H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAction Helicopter Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C-30 · Turboshaft · 600
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 18 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data