On November 13, 2011, a MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM BK 117 B-2 operated by AIR METHODS CORP was involved in an aviation accident near Carbondale, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an engine shutdown after an emergency medical services flight, a helicopter's main rotor blade struck the left vertical stabilizer, causing substantial damage. The blade broke near the root, and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. No mechanical malfunctions were reported. Winds were 190° at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots.
Incident Overview
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a helicopter sustained substantial damage when a main rotor blade contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade broke near its root, and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Environmental Conditions
Local recorded winds at the time were 190 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 34 knots.
Damage Assessment
The main rotor blade suffered a break near its root, and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover exhibited dents. The damage was classified as substantial.