Incident A
On July 15, 2004, at about 11:09 JST, a Bell 206L-3 helicopter (registration JA6114) operated by Nagasaki Police Department was conducting a test flight near Kinugawa glider field in Kamikawachi-cho, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The pilot in command (PIC) and two mechanics were on board. During an autorotation test at approximately 2,800 ft, the engine suddenly stopped. The PIC reported the engine out warning and performed an emergency landing at Kinugawa field at 11:10 JST. No injuries or damage were recorded.
Incident B
On September 20, 2004, at about 13:53 JST, the same helicopter was on a test flight over Utsunomiya Aerodrome to investigate the previous incident. The PIC and one mechanic were on board. During the sixth autorotation test at about 1,000 ft, the engine suddenly stopped. The PIC declared an emergency and landed on the runway at Utsunomiya Aerodrome. No injuries or damage occurred.
Investigation
The Aircraft and Railway Accidents Investigation Commission (ARAIC) conducted a combined investigation into both incidents. The investigation included on-site inspections, engine bench tests, fuel control accessory tests, and test flights. Representatives from Canada (aircraft design state) and the United States (engine design state) participated. The investigations found no damage to the aircraft or injuries in either incident.