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June 25, 2002 · Sikorsky S-55-QT · N2300Z

Orlando, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Orlando, FL
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-55-QT
Tail Number
N2300Z
Operator
Whisper Jet
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA130

During a maintenance check flight of the helicopter, two auto-rotations at max gross weight with a neutral center of gravity were conducted. During the second maintenance check flight, on the initial run-up the pilot engaged the rotor clutch and heard a loud "bang". The cyclic control pulled from the pilot's hand, and the pilot rolled the throttle to ground idle to regain control the cyclic control. The helicopter rocked from left to right and rolled over on its side. Examination of the airframe found that the cyclic lateral control rod end bearing on the transmission fractured. Examination of the fractured surfaces showed features typical of overstress. No other mechanical or flight control malfunction was reported by the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the cyclic lateral control rod end bearing, and subsequent dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

On June 25, 2002, at 1245 eastern daylight time, a Sikorsky S-55-QT, N2300Z, registered to Foxtrot Incorporated and operated by a private pilot rolled over on the left side during a maintenance test flight at Sanford Airport, in Orlando, Florida. The maintenance test flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot and passenger were not injured. The helicopter was on the second phase of the flight at the time of the accident on June 25, 2002. According to the pilot, during the maintenance check flight two auto-rotations at max gross weight with a neutral center of gravity were conducted. During the second maintenance check flight, on the initial run-up the pilot engaged the rotor clutch and heard a loud "bang". The cyclic control pulled from the pilot's hand, and the pilot rolled the throttle to ground idle to regain control the cyclic control. The helicopter rocked from left to right and rolled over on its side. Examination of the airframe found that the cyclic lateral control rod end bearing on the transmission fractured. There was no prior evidence of a preexisting fracture region or improper material. Scanning electron microscope examination of the fractured surfaces showed both fracture origin features typical of overstress. According to the operator of the helicopter, when the rotor is engaged the hydraulic boost is not effective until the main transmission reaches a speed where it produces sufficient hydraulic pressure to offset the back forces. These back forces are transmitted back to the cockpit flight controls, at this time the cyclic control pulled from the pilot's hand, and the control rod failed. Examination of the main rotor revealed all four main blades were curled from the blade tip to the main rotor. The fuselage displayed buckling in the tail cone section. The tail rotor was also curled inward. No other mechanical or flight control malfunctions were reported by the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 EDT
Nearest AirportSANFORD (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSikorsky S-55-QT
Tail NumberN2300Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWhisper Jet
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsNational Flight Service · 331-100A-511s · Turboshaft · 650
Seats11

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data