History of the Flight
On 18 February 2023, a Bell 407 helicopter registered P2-HSM, owned and operated by Heli Solutions Limited, was conducting a single-pilot passenger charter flight from Epopi village to Wapenamanda Airport in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. The pilot had earlier departed Mt. Hagen and completed several legs before landing at Epopi Village at 11:08 local time to deliver medical supplies, accompanied by a Loadmaster. Before departure, the pilot was asked to transport two patients and their two guardians from Epopi to Wapenamanda for treatment.
The helicopter departed Epopi at 11:20, climbed above 9,000 ft, and tracked southeast toward Wapenamanda Airport. No significant weather was reported along the route.
Loss of Tail Rotor Thrust
At approximately 11:40 local time (01:40 UTC), while descending about 9 nautical miles northwest of Wapenamanda Airport, the pilot heard a loud bang from the rear of the helicopter, suspected to originate from the tail rotor section. The pilot checked the foot pedals and found them loose, indicating a loss of tail rotor thrust. The helicopter experienced vibrations and yawing, leading to a spin. A second loud bang occurred, accompanied by vigorous airframe vibration as the spin continued.
The pilot alerted the Loadmaster, who instructed the passengers via intercom to brace for an emergency landing. The pilot then initiated the emergency and malfunction procedures. After verifying control, he reduced power and airspeed to 80 knots, effectively stabilizing the helicopter and ending the spin.
Emergency Landing
Recognizing the hazards of maneuvering and landing without tail rotor thrust, the pilot selected an alternative landing site: a local garden in Kuimanda Village, less than one nautical mile from his position at an elevation of 5,896 feet. The pilot executed an emergency landing on the garden patch, approximately 3.5 nautical miles northwest of Wapenamanda Airport.
Occupants and Injuries
There were six persons on board: the pilot, a Loadmaster, and four passengers. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained damage to the tail rotor gearbox (TRGB) and tail boom, as documented in the accident investigation. The tail rotor drive shaft and TRGB were also affected. The helicopter was equipped with a Bell 407 airframe, registration P2-HSM.
Investigation
The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) of Papua New Guinea conducted an investigation. The report (AIC 23-1003) details the factual information related to the occurrence, including the tail rotor component failure in flight. The investigation did not specify a probable cause in the provided excerpts.