History of the Flight
Prior to the accident flight, the pilot conducted a test flight on the same helicopter, which included an engine power check with satisfactory results. The helicopter took off at 13:10 from INAER's heliport in Albacete for a positioning flight to Castellón Airport, carrying 1,145 lb of fuel. Thirty-five minutes into the flight, the fire warning light for the number 2 engine illuminated. The pilot initiated the engine fire procedure, reducing airspeed and turning right to check for smoke, which he did not observe. He selected a landing area. After shutting down the affected engine, the fire light remained on. During the approach, the pilot could not maintain course and was forced to land in a different location, where the helicopter impacted the ground.
Injuries to Persons
The sole occupant, the pilot, was uninjured.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter was destroyed. The nose and main rotor blades sustained heavy damage. Part of the tail cone detached along with the tail rotor.
Other Damage
The main rotor cut branches from several almond trees.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a valid commercial pilot license (helicopter) issued by AESA, with a type rating for the Bell 212/412 valid until 28 February 2014, and a class 1 medical certificate valid until 22 October 2014. He had a total of 5,010 flight hours in helicopters, with 1,182 hours on type. From 1 January 2013 to the accident date, he flew 16 hours and 26 minutes in the accident model, with 3 hours and 16 minutes in the last month. He completed simulator training on 22 February 2013, including single-engine landings and engine fire procedures.
Aircraft Information
The Bell 212, serial number 30689, was built in 1975 by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. It held an Airworthiness Review Certificate valid until 20 May 2014. Power was supplied by two Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3 engines (number 1: CP-PS 62790; number 2: CP-PS TB0259). The engines were equipped with a fire detection and suppression system. The helicopter had a main rotor rotating counter-clockwise and a tail anti-torque rotor. The landing gear consisted of two longitudinal skids.
Wreckage and Impact Information
During the emergency landing, the helicopter's fuselage and main rotor blades impacted trees, and the aircraft rolled onto its right side.
Fire
The engine fire warning light for the number 2 engine activated during the flight and remained on after engine shutdown.