Accident Details
On May 25, 2011, at approximately 1140 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B-1 helicopter, registration N96SH, experienced a total loss of engine power while maneuvering near Lakeville, Minnesota. The pilot performed a forced landing, touching down in a swamp near Lakeville. The certified commercial pilot sustained serious injuries, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom during the impact.
The helicopter was registered to and operated by Scotts Helicopter Services Inc under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137, conducting an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Flying Cloud Airport (FCM), Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Engine Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Minneapolis Flight Standards District Office examined the engine, a Rolls Royce Allison T63A700 (serial number AE-400951). The inspection revealed that the Pc bleed line, which runs from the governor to the fuel control, was leaking at a B-nut that had come loose. The inspector noted that the operator had a spare engine at its facilities, and that engine had torque lines painted onto its fittings. The accident engine did not have torque lines painted onto its fittings.
The inspector stated that there is no requirement to use torque lines, and that new engine maintenance manuals now discuss the use of torque lines.
Maintenance History
The time since the engine's last inspection was 59.4 hours.