EC120
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 646
Likes: 18
From: Europe
The flight happened in Sweden, during cruise. The vibrations were so severe the structure was deformed on some point in the fuselage. The pilot was trained by my collegue and he has some photos made after landing. I'll try to post them here.
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 90
From: After all, what’s more important than proving to someone on the internet that they’re wrong? - Manson
Fail safe. One failed the other didn't. Have a look at what kept the blade there. Amazing.
At a guess this looks like a problem between the bush on the damper attachment and the spheriflex hub. Corrosion?
At a guess this looks like a problem between the bush on the damper attachment and the spheriflex hub. Corrosion?
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: England & Scotland
The official report can't come quickly enough. Only then will we have "chapter & verse" on why / how. Hopefully this has something to do with the history of one machine (or one / a batch of rotor heads).
As S1lverback says, very careful checking from now on, every flight. And first sign of vibration that doesn't go away with a speed reduction means a precautionary landing to check.
John
As S1lverback says, very careful checking from now on, every flight. And first sign of vibration that doesn't go away with a speed reduction means a precautionary landing to check.
John
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: 500 ft or less
Fail safe. One failed the other didn't.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 1
From: 1 Dunghill Mansions, Putney
It'll also be interesting to confirm whether the deformation of the fuselage structure was indeed caused by vibration, or whether it was caused by a hard landing resulting from the pilot wanting to get the aircraft on the ground as soon as possible after the hub attachment let go.
I/C
I/C
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: St Gallen
EC120B leak
Thank for advice. We have found source of leak. It was upper part of FCU. And it leaked a lot!!! A guess 2 - 3 liters per hour. The FCU must be replaced.
And it is completelly new helicopter (just 45 hours on it)
And it is completelly new helicopter (just 45 hours on it)
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: n/a
Start Card.
Hi guys,
I've had a quick look through (and did a search) for a link to a start card for the EC120B.
I was wondering if anyone has a copy of one or could point me in the right direction.
Thanks.
NiB.
I've had a quick look through (and did a search) for a link to a start card for the EC120B.
I was wondering if anyone has a copy of one or could point me in the right direction.
Thanks.
NiB.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Cracked Rotor Hub
The cracked rotor hub on the EC120 is very disturbing. Not sure what unsual attitude would cause this. Perhaps the pilot exceeded positive G force.
Nevertheless very disturbing for a fully articulated rotor system.
I was looking at employing an EC120 in Texas doing about 10 to 20 lifts each day with about half that many starts.
Between the hot starts and the cracked rotor hub just recently discovered in Sweden not sure a start up with an EC120 is feasible.
Getting the jitters to say the least.
Any one out there who can want keep my confidence level up in this aircraft?
Thanks
NotSo
Nevertheless very disturbing for a fully articulated rotor system.
I was looking at employing an EC120 in Texas doing about 10 to 20 lifts each day with about half that many starts.
Between the hot starts and the cracked rotor hub just recently discovered in Sweden not sure a start up with an EC120 is feasible.
Getting the jitters to say the least.
Any one out there who can want keep my confidence level up in this aircraft?
Thanks
NotSo
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: canada
Just a big heads up on Hydraulic repairs like a servo, you'll wait a minimum of 8 months for the part to be looked at, We just spoke to Eurocopter as they charge rental on the loaner, but the ship doesn;t fly a lot, so over 1000 in rental fee so far, and still a few months before we get the other back. they don;t have any spare units either I think, so good luck if yours breaks ..
Also remember the parts repaired in European shops need their certification from your regulator also, ie FAA or Transport Canada
Also remember the parts repaired in European shops need their certification from your regulator also, ie FAA or Transport Canada
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: England & Scotland
NotSo6
I have been running one for 2 years and have nothing but praise for the machine.
Starting is not a problem if you stick to the Eurocopter method. If hot, crank to well below (I head for 180) and then keep the throttle position short of the gate, feed in very slowly. Typically this gives a very smooth hot start. Starting problems come with ham-fisted throttle hand or trying to rush the process.
As for the rotor head, not heard of another one going. Still no report as to why it gave way, but my money is on a casting fault.
Otherwise, a 50hr service coming in at well under £1k gives you an idea of maintenance ease.
I have been running one for 2 years and have nothing but praise for the machine.
Starting is not a problem if you stick to the Eurocopter method. If hot, crank to well below (I head for 180) and then keep the throttle position short of the gate, feed in very slowly. Typically this gives a very smooth hot start. Starting problems come with ham-fisted throttle hand or trying to rush the process.
As for the rotor head, not heard of another one going. Still no report as to why it gave way, but my money is on a casting fault.
Otherwise, a 50hr service coming in at well under £1k gives you an idea of maintenance ease.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: canada
well after almost a year wait, we got our hydraulic servo back, 2 day fix at the repair shop but Eurocopter had it on their shelf since last November it appears, but forgot we exist it seems, CSR yet to return calls..