FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Engine Power Loss Leads to Hard Landing and Tail Boom Severance (N227H)

Tulsa, OK, US

On March 4, 2002, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N227H) operated by Action Helicopter Service was involved in an aviation accident near Tulsa, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter lost engine power 300 yards short of its helipad. During autorotation, the pilot avoided a vehicle but struck tree branches at 10 ft AGL, resulting in a hard landing and tail boom severance. The cause of the power loss was not determined.

Accident Details

A local flight en route to the company helipad for fuel experienced a loss of engine power approximately 300 yards from the helipad. The pilot initiated an autorotation to a road and had to execute an evasive maneuver to avoid a vehicle. At an altitude of 10 feet above ground level, the main rotor blades struck tree branches measuring 1.5 inches in diameter.

Sequence of Events

Following the blade strike, main rotor RPM decreased. The helicopter then landed hard on the road, and the main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom. The pilot estimated that 300 pounds of fuel was on board at the time of the accident.

Post-Accident Inspection

During inspection, the engine was started and test run to idle speed, and no anomalies were noted. The fuel nozzle and fuel filters were inspected, and no anomalies were found. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 2002 Bell 206L-3 accident near Tulsa, OK?

A helicopter lost engine power 300 yards short of its helipad. During autorotation, the pilot avoided a vehicle but struck tree branches at 10 ft AGL, resulting in a hard landing and tail boom severance. The cause of the power loss was not determined.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 2002 involved a Bell 206L-3, registration N227H, operated by Action Helicopter Service, at Tulsa, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020312X00334. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.