On January 7, 2016, about 1100 Alaska standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N395CE, sustained a total loss of engine power just prior to departure at the Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot, who was the helicopter owner, and his flight instructor were not injured. The helicopter sustained no damage as a result of the incident. The helicopter was registered to, and operated by, Airglas, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
During an on-scene interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on January 7, the flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to do a post maintenance check flight after servicing and overhaul of the helicopter's fuel injection servo assembly. The instructor stated that after an extensive preflight inspection was completed, the helicopter was moved outside of the hangar. The helicopter's engine was started and allowed to warm up for about 10 minutes, and all ground run-up checks were satisfactory. He said that while operating at 100 percent rotor rpm and while raising the collective to begin the takeoff, the engine abruptly lost all power.
The helicopter was equipped with a fuel injected, Lycoming IO-540 series engine.
A postincident inspection of the fuel servo assembly revealed a white, greasy substance within the venturi of the servo assembly.
The helicopter's maintenance records revealed that the fuel injection servo had been overhauled on December 14, 2015 by Alaskan Aircraft Engines, Inc., Anchorage, before being reinstalled on the accident helicopter.
On January 14, the NTSB IIC along with another NTSB investigator, and a representative from Precision Airmotive LLC, examined the fuel injection servo at the facilities of Precision Airmotive in Marysville, Washington. Due to excessive white grease like contamination behind the test port plugs the servo was not flow tested. Disassembly inspection revealed large amounts of white contamination ranging in consistency from grease like to solid. The contamination was present in the manual mixture control valve, idle valve plate, fuel section O-rings, and the fuel diaphragm with the bleed port almost completely blocked.
On January 19, the NTSB IIC along with another NTSB investigator, and two FAA aviation safety inspectors, visited the facilities of Alaska Aircraft Engines, Inc., in Anchorage, and disassembled a recently overhauled fuel injection servo. The inspection revealed excessive amounts of a white grease like substance throughout the fuel injection servo, consistent with the servo removed from the accident helicopter. A representative from Alaska Aircraft Engines stated that about 6 months prior they had switched assembly lubricants to Dupont Krytox an approved lubricant, but due to the investigation realized it was not being used in accordance with the maintenance manual and ended in excessive and inappropriate application.
Dupont describes Krytox 240 series greases in part: as white, buttery greases based on perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oils. These synthetic fluorinated lubricants are used in extreme conditions such as continuous high temperatures up to 300°C (572°F) and higher temperatures for shorter periods, depending on product grade limits. Chemically inert and safe for use around hazardous chemicals, these lubricants are nonflammable and are safe for use in oxygen service.
A review of the Precision Airmotive Corporation Aircraft Fuel Injection Maintenance Manual for the RSA-10-AD1 Fuel Injection Servo Assembly lists three places where Krytox is to be used during assembly and states, in part:
"Apply Krytox or Braycote on mixture control lever assembly between lever stop and preformed packing.
NOTE: Remove excess Braycote or Krytox with Fluoroclean X-100.
Apply Krytox or Braycote on idle valve shaft outboard preformed packing
NOTE: Remove excess Braycote or Krytox with Fluoroclean X-100.
Place servo stem spring over stem of fuel diaphragm assembly Lubricate threaded portion of diaphragm with ASTM Number 5 or Vaseline. Apply a light film of Krytox or Braycote to the concave side of seal. Place servo stem seal over stem with flange and concave side up. Press seal down on diaphragm stem to engage it at the spring. Remove lubricant from stem."
In a conversation with the NTSB IIC, a representative from Precision Airmotive LLC stated that Krytox should be applied in a thin light coat, with all excess removed in only the locations specified in the maintenance manual.
On January 19, Alaska Aircraft Engines issued a Service Advisory that stated, in part: "Beginning in June of 2015 Alaskan Aircraft Engines purchased and began use of an approved assembly lube it had not used previously. This lube was used in excess and in locations not required by the manufacturer's service manual. We believe this has the potential to cause a fuel distribution problem."