US EMS Bell 407 Engine Failure
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
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From: Downeast
US EMS Bell 407 Engine Failure
Damage to the aircraft only.....but reminds us of the implications of an Engine Failure in a Songle engine helicopter at night.
At approximately 03:00 a Bell 407, experienced a mechanical issue in flight while repositioning from the Airport back to the hospital
after refueling.
The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) reported that he heard an unusual noise in
flight. The PIC checked his instruments and reduced power to set up
for a landing. At the terminal phase of the approach, the aircraft
landed hard and sustained damage. The pilot was the only crewmember
on board and sustained no injuries. The PAIP was activated, the pilot
was transported for examination and the incident was reported to the
FAA and NTSB. Although currently under investigation, initial
indications point to material failure in the engine as the cause. The
engine has been sent to the manufacturer for tear down analysis to
help determine the cause.
The pilot is being credited for his professional skills and the high
standard of training in avoiding further injury or damage.
after refueling.
The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) reported that he heard an unusual noise in
flight. The PIC checked his instruments and reduced power to set up
for a landing. At the terminal phase of the approach, the aircraft
landed hard and sustained damage. The pilot was the only crewmember
on board and sustained no injuries. The PAIP was activated, the pilot
was transported for examination and the incident was reported to the
FAA and NTSB. Although currently under investigation, initial
indications point to material failure in the engine as the cause. The
engine has been sent to the manufacturer for tear down analysis to
help determine the cause.
The pilot is being credited for his professional skills and the high
standard of training in avoiding further injury or damage.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 3
From: Philadelphia PA
The FADEC computer should have captured all the necessary info (unless it was the computer itself that failed).
I've used that info to good effect in trying to determine the cause of problems. Almost as valuable as a CVR and FDR.
I've used that info to good effect in trying to determine the cause of problems. Almost as valuable as a CVR and FDR.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 3
From: Near the source of insanity
May I ask what this "PAIP" is that is mentioned in the report?
Tried searching , but although it kind of fits the scenario it's certainly not the "Personal Automobile Insurance Plan" Google came up with
Tried searching , but although it kind of fits the scenario it's certainly not the "Personal Automobile Insurance Plan" Google came up with
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: australia
but reminds us of the implications of an Engine Failure in a Songle engine helicopter at night.
Still a nice machine to fly though.
Cheers
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: New Zealand
... or MRGB failure or fuel starvation which I suspect occur more often than turbine engine failures.
... or pilot brain failures that definitely happen more often than any other cause of helicopter accidents.
... or pilot brain failures that definitely happen more often than any other cause of helicopter accidents.
