Incident Overview
On June 19, 2013, at about 1620 central daylight time, a Bell BH-206 L-4 helicopter (registration N467AE) sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power. The aircraft was on final approach to a private helipad (AE02) in Lake City, Arkansas, when the engine power loss occurred. The commercial pilot, a flight nurse, and a paramedic aboard were not injured.
Flight Details
The repositioning flight was operated by Air Evac EMS, Incorporated, based in O'Fallon, Missouri, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a private helipad (AE03) in Sikeston, Missouri, at about 1534.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the helicopter was approximately 80–100 feet above ground level at an airspeed of 40 knots when the engine lost power. He described the power loss as similar to a turbine engine rolling back to flight idle. The pilot lowered the collective to conserve rotor rpm. The helicopter touched down short of the landing pad on tall grass and dirt, then bounced, resulting in damage to the skids and tail boom.
Aircraft and Engine Examinations
According to the operator, the helicopter and engine had accumulated 154.3 hours since new. An airframe examination conducted on June 25, 2013, at the operator's maintenance facility in Pomona, Missouri, under FAA supervision, revealed no pre-impact anomalies in the main rotor, tail rotor, flight control, or hydraulic systems. Fuel system examination found no leaks or discrepancies that would have contributed to a loss of engine power.
The engine was examined at Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 9, 2013, under NTSB supervision. It was placed on a test-cell stand, visually examined, and checked for leaks. No leaks or discrepancies were observed. The engine was then run twice through its full power range in accordance with the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 series overhaul manual. No anomalies were identified that would have contributed to a loss of engine power.
The engine was returned to the operator and reinstalled on the helicopter. A ground run was conducted using the same controllers, following the manufacturer's Operational Acceptance Flight Checklist for the BH-206L. The test aimed to replicate the reported power loss; no anomalies were found in the airframe or engine.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument ratings. He reported 5,380 total flight hours, including 2,007 hours in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Jonesboro Municipal Airport (JBR), approximately 10 miles southwest, at 1553 included calm wind, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 4,400 feet, temperature 29°C, and dew point 20°C.