Engine Power Loss and Tail Boom Severance During Emergency Landing (N570CA)

Accident Overview

Shortly after takeoff, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot initiated an emergency running landing. During the landing phase, the main rotor blades contacted and subsequently severed the tail boom.

Inspection Findings

The engine and associated components were inspected. The turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicating system was examined to verify its calibration. The TOT system is required to be calibrated during all 300-hour inspections. Testing revealed that the cockpit TOT gauge indicated temperatures lower than the actual engine outlet temperatures. This discrepancy may have led to multiple operations being conducted at temperatures exceeding those authorized by the Pilot's Flight Manual and the engine manufacturer's limitations.

Engine Examination

A teardown inspection of the engine confirmed that the failures and stress ruptures found throughout the engine turbine assembly components were a result of high temperature engine operation above 2000°F.