Incident Overview
On 9 March 2017, a medical flight crew received a request to transport a patient from Trąbki Wielkie to a hospital in Gdańsk. The flight to pick up the patient and to the landing site H010 at the University Clinical Centre in Gdańsk proceeded without incident. After handing over the patient, the pilot started the helicopter and departed for the HEMS base at EPGD.
Warning and Response
Approximately two minutes into the flight, at an altitude of about 400 feet, the caution and warning screen displayed an “ACTUATION” message, indicating a failure of the yaw stabilizer actuator. Simultaneously, the primary flight display showed a “Y” symbol, prompting manual yaw correction. The pilot decided to continue the flight to the base, where the landing was completed without further issues.
Technical Findings
The event was recorded in the onboard technical log and reported to the LPR technical service. The helicopter was grounded. Technical personnel from SOT Szczecin arrived on site and performed cleaning of the electrical connector of the yaw stabilization actuator. After successful autopilot system tests, the helicopter was returned to service.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was a contaminated connector of the autopilot stabilizer actuator for yaw control.
Preventive Actions
The operator briefed all operational personnel about the incident.
Safety Recommendations
The State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) did not issue safety recommendations.