What happened
On December 20, 2013, a Bell 212 helicopter, registration EC-IFA, was performing a positioning flight from Albacete to Castellón, Spain. The aircraft was operated by INAER and was occupied by a single pilot.
During the cruise phase of the flight, the fire warning light for the number 2 engine illuminated. The pilot initiated emergency procedures, which included pulling the fire detection lever and reducing airspeed. In an attempt to visually confirm the presence of smoke, the pilot performed a right-hand turn. Although no smoke was visible, the fire warning light remained illuminated even after the pilot stopped the number 2 engine.
While attempting to reach a pre-selected landing area, the aircraft was unable to maintain its flight path or altitude. The pilot was forced to divert to a different location, ultimately impacting trees in a mountainous area near Chera. The impact caused the aircraft to overturn on its right side, resulting in the destruction of the Bell 212.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the aircraft's engines, the pilot's actions, and the flight mechanics. Post-accident inspections of the engine bays revealed no evidence of fire, and the fire suppression bottles had not been discharged. Subsequent bench testing of both engines in Canada confirmed that both engines were in good working condition and capable of performing at both normal and maximum power levels.
The investigation focused on why the aircraft could not maintain altitude despite having one functional engine. Calculations based on the flight manual indicated that the aircraft should have been capable of a climb rate of approximately 8/00 ft/min on a single engine under the prevailing conditions.
Findings
- The fire warning light for the number 2 engine activated despite the absence of an actual fire.
- The pilot's handling of the emergency was inadequate.
- The loss of altitude was caused by the pilot unintentionally reducing the power limits of the remaining operational engine.
- It is believed that while the pilot was closing the throttle for the number 2 engine, he may have accidentally moved the twist-grip throttle for the number 1 engine. This action lowered the N1 operating limit to 90%, preventing the engine from providing sufficient power to maintain the flight path when the collective was increased.
- The pilot's focus on monitoring the exterior for smoke led to a lack of awareness regarding cockpit alarms and instrument readings during the critical phase of the landing.