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February 21, 2007 · Bell ARH-70 EXP · N445HR

Mansfield, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mansfield, TX
Aircraft
Bell ARH-70 EXP
Tail Number
N445HR
Operator
Bht
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW07CA066

The helicopter rolled over during an autorotation following a loss of engine power. The commercial test pilot was performing required test card procedures on the maiden flight of the experimental helicopter. The pilot reported that when he initiated a test flight sequence that called for the helicopter to be configured for slow flight in a shallow descent, the engine low fuel pressure light illuminated followed by an audio alert indicating an engine flame-out. The pilot reported that he immediately entered an autorotation that required a 180-degree turn to the left in order to reach the best available landing area on the fairway of a local golf course. With the helicopter aligned with the intended landing area, the pilot noted that the selected flight path conflicted with a tree on the approach, so the pilot applied collective pitch to slow the rate of descent and clear the tree. As soon as the helicopter cleared the obstacle, the pilot again re-entered a full autorotation. The helicopter touched down in a near level attitude with a slightly faster than normal forward speed. The pilot reported that as the helicopter settled on the golf course fairway, the landing skids began to dig into the soft terrain. The aircraft rocked forward and the toes of the skids dug into the ground, which resulted in the landing gear assembly breaking-off the airframe at all four attachment points and the forward looking infrared mount assembly impacting the ground. The aircraft continued to pivot on the nose and came to rest on its left side, which resulted in structural damage. The investigation revealed that the fuel line to the engine was blocked at the fuel boost pump assembly where the check valve mounts to the fuel switch. Foreign objects were lodged in each of the two check valves, which created a fuel starvation situation and the subsequent engine flame-out.

NTSB Probable Cause

Fuel starvation due to blockage in a fuel system check valve which was the result of the improper assembly of fuel boost pump by company maintenance personnel.

Full Narrative

The 3,150-hour commercial test pilot was performing required test flight procedures on the maiden flight of the experimental certificated helicopter. The pilot reported that when he initiated a test flight sequence that called for the helicopter to be configured for slow flight in a shallow descent, the engine low fuel pressure light illuminated followed by an audio alert indicating an engine flame-out. The pilot reported that he immediately entered an autorotation that required a 180-degree turn to the left in order to reach the best available landing area on the fairway of a local golf course. With the helicopter aligned with the intended landing area, the pilot noted that it appeared that the selected flight path conflicted with a tree on the approach, so the pilot applied collective pitch to slow the rate of descent and clear the tree. As soon as the helicopter cleared the obstacle, the pilot again re-entered a full autorotation. The helicopter touched down in a near level attitude with a slightly faster than normal forward speed. The pilot reported that as the helicopter settled on the golf course fairway, the landing skids began to dig in to the soft terrain. The aircraft rocked forward and the toes of the skids dug into the ground which resulted in the landing gear assembly breaking-off the airframe at all four attachment points and the forward looking infrared mount assembly impacted the ground. The aircraft continued to pivot on the nose and came to rest on its left side, which resulted in structural damage. The test pilot and the rated observer were not injured and both were able to egress unassisted. The investigation revealed that the fuel to the engine was blocked at the fuel boost pump assembly where the check valve mounts to the fuel switch, due to foreign objects being lodged in each of the two check valves which created a fuel starvation situation and the subsequent engine flame-out. Weather at the time of the accident was reported as winds from 240 degrees and 4 knots, clear skies, 10 statute miles visibility, and a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:40 CST
Nearest AirportArlington Municpal Airport (6nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell ARH-70 EXP
Tail NumberN445HR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBht
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllied Signal · HTS900-1-2D · Turboshaft · 925
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 35 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data