Hi, The video showing the 355 'arriving' at Liverpool Jan 2003, posted by Mighty Gem is down to me. As with a previous post, Gordy, I'll briefly run through what I did so that it gives others another a possible option should they end up in that position.
Police Ops, Pilot, 2 Police Observers and radio engineer. I had been flying for about 55 minutes when the aircraft developed a odd vibration, which was quite quickly followed by a large bang, which was the engine cowling coming off (almost certainly down to me
) and striking the tail rotor it transpired. I immediately reduced power and reduced speed, there were no obvious signs of problem looking at the engine instruments, but the yaw pedals were very light and gave no control. I increased power and levelled the aircraft and settled for a speed of about 80/85 knots (I think. long time ago, but the front seat observer on the day, who still flies with me, agrees), with the nose off a little to the left. After the Mayday, I elected to go back to Liverpool airport which was only 3 nm away. I elected not to attempt a formal engine off landing, as it was a couple of years since I'd done one and I never done one in a Squirrel. (previous job was teaching at Army Air Corps Centre for three years, Gazelle and Lynx, so my EOL's weren't that bad). I suspected a drive shaft failure, so I discussed with the Police Officers what I intended to do, and they were happy with the plan. The fly by of the Tower confirmed that the tail rotor was not turning. So I shut down number 2 engine and briefed the front seat Observer to close down the other engine on my command. He was briefed to pull the roof throttle straight back, and don't mess about. We positioned on long finals to 27 at Liverpool with a shallow approach, intially aimed at the grass to the north of the runway,only a light wind unfortunately. ( Droopy, the full brief on short finals was " Sorry boys, this is gonna hurt") When the aircraft reached about 40/50 feet and 30-ish knots, the nose started to yaw left quickly. I said "now", the engine was snapped shut and the yaw stopped. The yaw was probably only 30 degrees to the left but left us facing the runway. I then basicially carried out a poor engine off landing to the runway (you've seen the video). Would I do it differently now, the basics, no. Hold the speed on a bit longer and a much lower, but overall the same. I had had the luxury of playing with tail rotor malfunctions/ failures in the Lynx simulator in my present job, so it gave me a few other ideas to consider rather than follow the book.
Not every 'event is the same, so the flight manual can only give guidance, the rest is what we are paid for. Making the final decision.. unfortunately it doesn't always turn out OK. It was was rathering chilling to watch the Sao Paulo video thinking that that was a possible outcome of my flight some twenty years ago.
My thoughts are with the pilots family.