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March 16, 2010 · Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · N4282

Parker, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Parker, AZ
Aircraft
Eurocopter AS 350 B3
Tail Number
N4282
Operator
Omniflight Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA164

The pilot of the helicopter told the lead mechanic that the main rotor blade needed to be balanced. Two mechanics showed up on the morning of the accident and installed the balancing equipment. A test flight was flown. The two men performed the necessary work, which required a second adjustable wrench on the top of the rotor head to hold the bolt while the nut below was removed and later torqued back on. When the work was finished, the men gathered their tools. The pilot asked the lead mechanic if they had gathered all their tools and the mechanic replied "yes." The three men got on the helicopter for a test hover to check their work. As the main rotor speed reached 100 percent, the three occupants heard a "bang." As the helicopter hovered, the two mechanics thought the balancing equipment readings were worse than the first flight, and the vibrations in the aircraft had increased. The pilot landed the helicopter so that the mechanics could make additional adjustments. The mechanics discovered that they were missing the adjustable wrench that had been used on the top of the main rotor head. Postaccident examination revealed that one main rotor blade, the tail boom, and the lower vertical stabilizer had received damage from the unaccounted for wrench.

NTSB Probable Cause

The mechanics' failure to account for all the tools following a maintenance procedure and the pilot's failure to perform a preflight check before a maintenance test flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter told the lead mechanic that the main rotor blade needed to be balanced. Two mechanics showed up on the morning of the accident and installed the balancing equipment. A test flight was flown. The two men performed the necessary work, which required a second adjustable wrench on the top of the rotor head to hold the bolt while the nut below was removed and later torqued back on. When the work was finished, the men gathered their tools. The pilot asked the lead mechanic if they had gathered all their tools and the mechanic replied "yes." The three men got on the helicopter for a test hover to check their work. As the main rotor speed reach 100 percent, the three occupants heard a "bang." As the helicopter hovered, the two mechanics thought the balancing equipment readings were worse than the first flight, and the vibrations in the aircraft had increased. The pilot landed the helicopter so the mechanics could make additional adjustments. The mechanics discovered that they were missing the adjustable wrench that had been used on the top of the main rotor head. Post accident examination revealed that one main rotor blade, the tail boom, and the lower vertical stabilizer had received damage from the unaccounted for wrench.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MST
Nearest AirportLapaz Regional Hospital Helpt (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEurocopter AS 350 B3
Tail NumberN4282
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOmniflight Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · ARRIEL 2B1 · Turboshaft · 747
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time16:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data